No event
happens without first taking root in our minds--for better or for worse. It’s
the same scientific principle we find in nature. For instance, a peach tree
cannot become a full-grown tree without first starting as a tiny seed.
Trees don’t
spring out of nowhere any more than thoughts do. They both require a foundation
and growth.
Seeds and
thoughts both may seem small or inconsequential at times. Still, they are the
starting point for huge trees and life-changing events.
Great
thinkers throughout history have expounded on this concept. Buddha said, “The
mind is everything. What you think you become.” King Solomon had similar words
of wisdom. Proverbs 23:7 says, “For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he…”
(KJV)
The Necessity for Optimism
Please see my book, Accept No
Trash Talk: Overcoming the Odds , for uplifting stories about how
optimism leads to success.
The truth is
that negativity cannot produce positivity any more than a peach seed can
produce a tomato plant. It just doesn’t work that way. We reap only what we sow. A successful life isn’t possible with
only negative thoughts; it’s that simple.
Dodie Osteen
She is the
mother of Joel Osteen, the head pastor of Lakewood Church in Houston, Texas.
This remarkable lady is a prime example of the power of optimistic thinking and
speaking. Over thirty years ago, she was diagnosed with terminal cancer. She
was given two months to live.
Well, she
refused to accept defeat. She pushed herself daily. Mrs. Osteen constantly
spoke victory to herself. In addition, she put up a picture of herself in more
healthy days on her wall. This was another source of motivation.
Little by
little, day by day, she saw improvements. Small triumphs turned into a full
recovery. Today, Dodie Osteen is happy and healthy. It’s no wonder her son
often suggests that everyone set their minds for victory, not defeat.
Daniel of the Bible
He’s another
example of refusing to give into defeat. Despite the proclamation against
praying to God, Daniel began each day by giving thanks. He rejected the
negative atmosphere. In the end, he was delivered from the lion’s den—at the
last minute.
Perhaps we
won’t be saved from life-threatening diseases or situations. However, we can
speak even small successes into our own lives. This is exemplified by the
following story told by Joel Osteen:
There was a
lady who was constantly negative and sick. Friends got tired of listening to
her complaints. Numerous physicians had been unable to help her. Finally, she
went to a specialist. He refused to give her medicine or order any procedures.
Instead, this doctor suggested she say these words five to six times an hour: I’m getting better day by day in every way.
After some time, her words came true. She became a happier, healthier person.
We can’t
expect hopeful thoughts to immediately heal
us, but they can give us a mental boost. Here are some more positive
affirmations:
Something good is going to happen to
me today.
I am well able.
I am a lender, not a borrower.
No weapon formed against me shall prosper.
My God is well able.
My God is bigger than this problem.
I am the head and not the tail.
My Conclusion
Jon
Kabat-Zinn states, “You cannot stop the waves, but you can learn to surf.” This
is an illustration of how our attitude is always a matter of choice, not
circumstances.
There are
many opportunities to live life in darkness. Life is tough for many people.
However, pessimistic thoughts can never
produce a positive outcome. That’s against nature. We are
likely to limit the negativity in our lives by refusing to give into it.
How are you talking positively to
yourself?
