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 win- dow 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 oftentimes, 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.