I worked this week and don't have anything quilty to share with you today, but while bored at my job waiting for the phone to ring, I remembered a conversation Vickie and I had at dinner about being positive and how difficult it is to maintain that positive attitude when things don't go as expected. So I decided to do something to fill my time today. At the risk of sounding preachy, these are my thoughts on changing the world.
I live only 2.5 miles from my job, but driving to work can be a challenge. Some people make New Year’s resolutions like, I’ll lose 10 lbs, or I’ll stop smoking, or I’ll save enough money to go on that vacation this year. Not me. I’ve been trying to monitor my thoughts, keep them positive. Let me tell you it is a moment-by-moment struggle. People don’t drive right. The radio is blathering about the war here or the gun shots and robberies there. If that isn’t bad enough, my thoughts then veer off into what-ifs, what if I get sick, what if the company folds, what if my kids….and on and on. I could spend hours ruminating on all the fearful things that could happen.
Realizing what I was doing to myself, I quickly tried to change my thoughts. You’d think I’d concentrate on driving during this short jaunt to work. However, our daily routine becomes automatic and allows our mind to stray, which for some reason for me is always in a negative direction.
REMAINING POSITIVE
In my struggle to maintain a positive level, an image popped into my head of a former minister speaking from the pulpit. “Imagine a red line,” he said. “Now keep your thoughts above the red line. Every time you find your thoughts sinking below that line, raise them. Keep your thoughts above the red line.”
Today, years after his death, I realized how this man has touched my life. His positive words have helped me tremendously. I believe that thinking good thoughts about people, things, and situations has helped me to be a better person and lead a better life.
I’m not talking Pollyanna thinking. I realize we need to be realistic; aware of what is going on around us, but how will negative thinking help me to get through my day? How will negative thinking help me to respond with gentleness and soft words? How will negative thinking help me to touch another life in a good way when I’m upset because of something negative I’ve been dwelling on?
What is your Goal?
My goal is to leave this world a better place. We never know how our words or actions will be remembered or how they will affect another person. A frown may touch a customer in such a way that he/she never comes back. A smile and encouraging word to a small child may be remembered when as an adult she walks across the stage to receive her Master’s degree.
How do you touch another life? Will you be remembered with kind thoughts? Will your words encourage or discourage?
“The life I touch will touch another life, and that in turn another, until who knows where the trembling stops, or in what far place my touch will be felt. “ Frederick Buechner
This beautiful quote brings tears to my eyes. I pray that I can remember what butterfly effect I may be having on the world.
People often talk about how positive thinking can reduce stress, lead to growth, success; change your life, etc. I don’t remember where I read this, but I remember that first a person has a thought, then a feeling, then there is action. Therefore, my thinking determines how I feel and how I respond to others. When I am thinking positive thoughts, I feel better physically and psychologically. I am happier and can respond in a way that is more positive, loving and kind.
How have you touched someone today? Did you offer a smile, a gentle pat? Have your words been positive? When someone is harsh or unkind with you do you respond in like manner? Or do you decide that that person will not control your thoughts or your life and respond in a positive way, one that might be remembered for years.
WIIFM?
So many times our first question is what’s in it for me. My answer: A LOT.
You are in control of your life and your thoughts. Do not let another person’s bad behavior determine how you will think or act. Do not let another person’s bad behavior ruin your day. You are in control. Don’t give your power to someone else. Keeping your thoughts positive not only will reduce your stress, lower your BP, make your life better, but you will automatically touch another life in a positive way. By doing this, you can change the world!
♥
Stay Calm! Stay Kind! Stay Positive!
Caroll
0 comments:
Post a Comment