Practical Steps to Positive Thinking

If we can learn to change our thoughts to reflect a positive attitude we will actually see a change in our lives.

"Change the way you look at things and the things you look at change." -Dr. Wayne Dyer

Thoughts Rule Our Lives

A basic concept to understand is that your thoughts rule your life. If you tend to see the world around you as basically a warm, welcoming place, then you will tend to seek out the goodness in all things, even during the most trying of situations. However, if you see the world as a cold, dark place, this attitude will be reflected in the world around you.

It can be profoundly difficult to find goodness in this fast-paced world of ours. Our environment is full of negative messages that are instantly accessible- turn on the television, open up a newspaper, cruise the internet or listen to the radio and you will find examples of negativity. Or talk to one of those friends of yours that always has something to complain about. You know the one- you will receive all the negativity that you can stand.

After being in this exposed to this, how do you feel? My guess is that you feel mentally, emotionally and perhaps even physically drained. So what can you do to promote positive thinking and to change your thoughts to promote a healthier attitude?

Tips to Promote Positive Thinking

Here are some practical steps to help promote positive thinking:

*Associate as much as practical with positive people that encourage you, lift you up and make you feel good about yourself.

*Exercise daily. Even 20 minutes of walking in fresh air can do wonders to boost your positive attitude.

*Incorporate a news fast. Go two weeks without watching the news or reading a newspaper. Notice the subtle change in your attitude.

*Acknowledge that you are not in control and trust in a higher power. AA has the slogan "Let go and Let God"- I have found that this works in my life.

*Watch and read things that make you laugh. Laughter has a tremendous healing power, and can make you feel good about yourself and those around you.

*Volunteer at your local church, homeless shelter or food pantry. When we give to others and forget ourselves, it is amazing how our positive attitude is reinforced.

*Say daily affirmations that are meaningful to you, especially when you wake up or before you go to sleep. Positive affirmations seep into our subconscious and in time will replace negative thinking. The time of day matters because we are most prone to suggestion at these times of the day.

Remember that there is nothing wrong with having negativity in our thinking- we are after all human. What we want to avoid is allowing negative thoughts to govern our lives.

Try to incorporate at least one of these tips into your daily routine and see if your thoughts- and your life- do not change for the better. You have nothing to lose except negativity.

Michael Kaszuba writes on issues related to the benefits of a positive attitude and self esteem. You can learn more by visiting my blog Benefits of a Positive Attitude at http://benefits-positive-attitude.blogspot.com