The perspective from which we view life to a large extent influences and defines our experiences. One popular example used to elucidate this is that of the proverbial glass of water which is either half full or half empty.

According to Wikipedia, positive thinking is a method to achieving health and happiness. It concentrates on positive qualities such as inner peace, strength, love, joy and happiness. Positive thinking means having an optimistic outlook or positive perspective of life. Being positive does not mean that we close our eyes to reality – it simply means that one faces challenges and adversity with an attitude of optimism and positivity. Positive thinking is being firmly rooted in reality but being able to learn from problems and moving forward with a clear intention of overcoming the challenges faced.

There are several benefits of positive thinking. According to Mayo Clinic, the benefits of positive thinking include:

• Lesser stress
• Longer life span
• Less prone to depression
• Better psychological and physical well being
• Better cardiovascular health
• Greater resistance to illness
• Better coping skills during hardships

The biggest challenge faced in practicing positive thinking is negative self talk. Most times we are completely unaware of the kind of self talk our minds indulge in. These constant negative thought patterns force us to focus on only the negatives and we end up doing one or more of the following: 1) Filter out all positives in the situations and focus only on the negative. 2) Personalize it. Everything bad is because of us. 3) We expect the absolute worst to happen and convince ourselves about it. 4) Categorize everything as good or bad with no middle ground.

The good news is that negative self talk can be changed to positive thinking. It is a simple process but requires constant and consistent effort, practice and time. Changing a habit does not happen overnight unless we have exemplary will power. Patience and perseverance will get us there.

8 Steps to a more healthy and positive outlook in life:

1. Begin your day with positive Affirmations. Your first thought when you wake up in the morning subconsciously sets the tone for the day. Begin your day with positive affirmations. It could be a simple “I am having an awesome day” or “Today is a wonderful day” or maybe some self love “I love myself”.
2. Positive Self talk. Heard of the phrase “Your Self talk is your conversation with the Universe”? Well, it is true. Be aware of the thoughts in your mind and consciously practice thinking positive thoughts. Every time you are aware of a negative thought, replace it with a happy one. Eg. Think of the last movie you watched or the time you had the most fun. Anything to break the pattern of the negative thoughts.
3. Focus on the desired outcome and solutions, not on the problem. Put your energies into figuring out the solutions, not on getting overwhelmed with problems. Know that every problem has a solution. Unfortunately, in life there are some situations with no solutions. In such cases, practice acceptance.
4. Mindfulness. Be aware of your thoughts and actions. Meditation is a good place to start learning mindfulness. Calm your mind and open yourself to just experiencing and being aware.
5. Gratitude. When we are consumed with negative self talk, we forget all the good things in our life. Practice gratitude for all the good things that you take for granted – your family, home, job, skills, talent, for who you are, your friends, all the fun moments and experiences in your life, your health. Make this a daily ritual – write down 5 things that you are grateful for everyday.
6. Live in the Present Moment. Living in the past i.e, reliving past memories and experiences and living in the anxiety and fear of the future – both take away from us the only reality which exists -the experience of the present moment. Be aware that this moment is the only reality we can ever experience. This will in an instant become the past – a memory. What memories do you want to create with this present moment?
7. Surround yourself with Positive People. Avoid negative places and negative people. Surround yourself with positive people. Energy is infectious. Being in positive surroundings will infuse positive energy in you.
8. Have fun. Most of our problems are because of the incessant voice in our head reminding us of all the things are not OK. The easiest way to silence this voice is doing things we love and by having fun. Take short breaks or go on a vacation to break the rut. Spend time with your friends, watch a movie. Keep aside some time everyday to do something which fills you with joy. Read, sing, paint, dance, play an instrument – do whatever brings you deep joy. Make this a daily practice.

Incorporate these practices into your routine and change the way you experience life. You will notice that this will also make a difference to those around you.

A few morning affirmations for Positive Thinking before I end this post:

1. I am grateful for everything in my life.
2. Today is going to be a great and fulfilling day.
3. Today is going to be a really, really good day.
4. Today I create a wonderful new day and a wonderful new future.
5. Every day and in every way, I am getting better and better.
6. I choose to make the rest of my life, the best of my life.
7. I feel healthy, strong and vibrant today.
8. Life supports me in every possible way.

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Love and light