Rid yourself of negative thoughts to live a positive life

Sitting on my bookshelf in my office is the book: “As a Man Thinketh.” It was first published in 1902 by Englishman, James Allen who moved to a small cottage with his family to pursue a simple, peaceful life of quiet contemplation and writing.

I reached for the book. Then, I sat comfortably on our gray living room sofa. And with the fragrance of firewood coming from our newly lit fire in the fireplace, I started to reread the short volume. A glint of starlight shone from a nearby window that evening, as I read page by page.

James Allen’s basic message in the book is that: “You are what you think.” Thoughts can actually change conditions. For our life can be what we make it by our own thoughts, words, and deeds. What you think determines what you feel and what you do in life.

The Bible says it best, “As he [a person] thinks in his heart, so is he” (Proverbs 23:7).

What are you focused on today? Are the thoughts that you’re having right now likely to help you achieve your goals, fulfill your God-given purpose, and allow you to live a peaceful and joy-filled life? Do you habitually look for the best results? If not, what better thoughts could you think instead? Even in difficulties, is there a more helpful way to think about your situation?

I’ve heard the saying, “Think positive, because thoughts are like a steering wheel that moves our life in the right direction.” A positive thinker doesn’t refuse to recognize challenges. Rather, he or she chooses not to dwell on them. Stop negative self-talk. God has amazing things in store for you. Thus, don’t let resourceful thoughts or emotions limit what God can do for your future.

Therefore, if you have a thought that is not aligned with your hopes and dreams, choose to think again. Replace negative thoughts with more balanced thoughts. For often times, inaccurate thoughts may keep you stuck, worried, frustrated, or even plunge you into the depths of despair. Last week, I got a new cell phone. After that, I went to a department store and picked up a pink phone case and placed the case on my phone so the new phone wouldn’t get damaged. When I got home, the phone wouldn’t work. There was no cell signal in the house, and I couldn’t make or receive phone calls or texts.

The next morning, I went back to the phone store. The technical administrator made a few upgrades to the phone and said, “Now, the phone should work.” I thanked him and left.

Well, the problem persisted. The next evening, I returned to the phone store. Once more, the technical administrator adjusted a few settings. He reset the memory card and updated the operating systems. Next, he handed me back the phone and muttered, “You should be all set.” Cautiously optimistic, I thanked him and left.

A few days later, I was still having problems with the cell reception and signal. So after almost a week of major cell phone issues, I went back to the store. I planned to exchange the phone for another, as it was clearly malfunctioning. The store manager tried to adjust a few other settings. Shaking his head, he spoke, “There is nothing wrong with this phone… But it could simply be the pink metal phone case that is shielding the phone’s antenna.”

Stunned, I took my time forming the words. “How could that be?” I questioned, with absolute amazement. The entire week, I was focused on the malfunction of the phone, convincing myself that the phone was defective. The manager gently removed the phone case; and to the amazement of everyone, the phone started working perfectly.

When we jump to conclusions or make assumptions about a situation or what others may be thinking, we can stress ourselves out sometimes needlessly. I never even thought that the metal case could be blocking the signal. Yet, one little adjustment fixed the entire problem.

Maybe, like my phone, what you might think is a big problem is actually not a major dilemma at all, and it can be easily remedied. If you change the way you look at things, the things you look at change. I know a remarkable 80-year-old businessman. This businessman is happy and strong in his spirit. He runs a successful enterprise and helps in his community. The businessman goes to the gym a few days a week, he plays golf on the weekends, and he attends sporting events and travels with his loving family.

He told me that last week he went to the doctor for an annual checkup. The doctor referred to the businessman as, “Mr. Reynolds.” But the businessman quickly told the doctor, “Please, my name is Joe…. Mr. Reynolds sounds like I am old… and I am not old!”

Once, I asked him what his secret for a full, productive, long life. A rich smile spread over his face and he declared casually, “I have a positive attitude, and I give no space in my mind to the negative.”

“It isn’t what you have or who you are or where you are or what you are doing that makes you happy or unhappy. It is what you think about it” — Dale Carnegie.

Seeking the positive is a deliberate process and a matter of choice. Hence, empty out the negative, so God can fill your days with good things. You are in one of the best times of your life. God is getting ready to “repay you two blessings for each of your past troubles” (Zechariah 9:12). So change your perspective. Enjoy the blessings before you. Reflect on gratitude and what brings you joy. Praise God all through the day, centering your attention on everything that’s good, right and positive. Surround yourself with those who are passionate, encouraging and supportive, because the wrong people and environments can negatively impact your health and potential. Replace old habits with new, more empowering ones, scheduling time for what is important to you.

Start looking for joy, and you will find it. See the beauty in every moment. Simplify. Pray. Make it a habit to expect a pleasant surprise each day. Take care of your health and exercise daily. Go outside; take a long walk in the fresh air and sunshine. And find ways to help others. Giving is a joy producer.

Dear readers, greater joys and blessings are going to come into your life. The window to your future is open. Think great thoughts. For God has a destination of victory ahead of you.

Live a positive life. The best is yet to be.