powernoodle
Power Member
- Joined
- Jul 21, 2004
- Messages
- 11,974
The idea for this thread is not unique to me (thanks to Mooshi at edcforums), but its something that I think can benefit just about all of us in some way.
From the Apostle Paul to Norman Vincent Peale to Anthony Robbins, many have noted the power of positive thinking and the very real way it can affect not only our mood but our actions. Those who hold to a Christian world view believe that it is God's will for us to be perpetually thankful (1 Thes 5), but the benefits are the same for everyone. I as much as anyone tend to fixate on the negative, the "what ifs", and the dark side of life, and forcing myself to be thankful is not just a placebo but produces tangible results. And by thinking and acting in a positive manner, you positively affect those around you, who may themselves begin to think and act a little more positively, which in turn can affect you. Consider how being around a happy, confident, upbeat person affects you. Maybe you can be that person to someone else, or at least act positive until you become positive ("fake it 'til you make it").
So I just want to encourage everyone to consider from time to time what you have to be thankful for, and maybe to post something here once in a while to edify both yourself and your readers.
I would say at this moment I am thankful for -
1) a smart, good, Godly wife to whom I have been married for 20+ years, and who loves me despite knowing me. In my view, short of being saved, picking the right spouse is the most important decision of your life. I have absolutely no idea how it happened, but I picked the right one.
2) at 12 and 16 years old, the smartest, best sons a person could ask for. Straight A's for both of them at a killer Latin school. Good kids.
3) parents who though they are aging quickly at ages 76 and 84, are still vertical and independent.
There is much, much more, from my health to my 16 lb. cat to the ability to generate an income, but that's a starter.
What about you? Whats good in your life right now? What would you desperately miss if it were gone? Maybe consider doing yourself and your family a favor by reminding yourself of these things on an ongoing basis.
From the Apostle Paul to Norman Vincent Peale to Anthony Robbins, many have noted the power of positive thinking and the very real way it can affect not only our mood but our actions. Those who hold to a Christian world view believe that it is God's will for us to be perpetually thankful (1 Thes 5), but the benefits are the same for everyone. I as much as anyone tend to fixate on the negative, the "what ifs", and the dark side of life, and forcing myself to be thankful is not just a placebo but produces tangible results. And by thinking and acting in a positive manner, you positively affect those around you, who may themselves begin to think and act a little more positively, which in turn can affect you. Consider how being around a happy, confident, upbeat person affects you. Maybe you can be that person to someone else, or at least act positive until you become positive ("fake it 'til you make it").
So I just want to encourage everyone to consider from time to time what you have to be thankful for, and maybe to post something here once in a while to edify both yourself and your readers.
I would say at this moment I am thankful for -
1) a smart, good, Godly wife to whom I have been married for 20+ years, and who loves me despite knowing me. In my view, short of being saved, picking the right spouse is the most important decision of your life. I have absolutely no idea how it happened, but I picked the right one.
2) at 12 and 16 years old, the smartest, best sons a person could ask for. Straight A's for both of them at a killer Latin school. Good kids.
3) parents who though they are aging quickly at ages 76 and 84, are still vertical and independent.
There is much, much more, from my health to my 16 lb. cat to the ability to generate an income, but that's a starter.
What about you? Whats good in your life right now? What would you desperately miss if it were gone? Maybe consider doing yourself and your family a favor by reminding yourself of these things on an ongoing basis.
