Part 1: The power of positive thinking

“When you expect the best you release a magnetic force in your mind which by a law of attraction tends to bring the best to you.” Norman Vincent Peale

When it comes to the spirit, like attracts like. In other words, what you put out is what you will receive in return. The opposite attract phenomena actually only exists in physics ;). If you're a frequent reader, first of all thank you, you know my entire blog is based on being positive. If you're new, welcome! Glad to have you and I hope my outlet empowers and nourishes you as it does me. Wait where was I?....Ah!

As human beings, we believe what we think. We do not always believe what people tell us but what we sifter and acknowledge, we believe. Therefore, if you tell yourself, you're not able, 9 out of 10 times you won't be. Now if you use that same power and tell yourself  you can, chances are you will, and if you don't, there's something you equipped yourself with that will help you in your next quest.

Huge disclaimer: Getting rid of negativity does not equal immunity from disappointment and it shouldn't because most of life is getting back up after we've been knocked down. Being positive is having peace in the hard times and looking beyond. I cannot emphasize this enough, we are who we think we are. What others think of us has no power over us unless we choose to accept it, to believe it. There is no greater feeling than achieving what others said we couldn't and even more so believing in ourselves.

Have you ever wondered why bad news tends to linger a lot longer than good news does? If you won $20 in a bet, you'll be happy and gloat for a bit and then move on, but if you loose $20, first you search for it, then you whine about it to any who will listen and possibly the next day when you go to get gas, you're thinking I should have been using that $20 right about now. Maybe I'm just describing myself here? Smh LOL. This is a habit we need to change. There's good ole saying that goes, the bad times won't last, but neither will the good times. If we can agree to this, then why spend twice the energy over the negatives? And if we have all that energy why not invest it in the good?

Keep your thoughts positive because your thoughts become your words. Keep your words positive because your words become your behavior. Keep your behavior positive because your behavior becomes your habits. Keep your habits positive because your habits become your values. Keep your values positive because your values become your destiny. – Mahatma Gandhi

I strongly believe that if professed, positive affirmations will bring us peace in very many situations, not to add the world will certainly be a better place. We cannot change our mindset overnight, because this is a habit we need to incorporate over and over. If you can find it in you to go to the gym after being sore, you can keep waking up and drinking this positive juice everyday.

I didn't always have a positive mindset, I assumed if things happened it was sheer luck or coincidence. I didn't pay attention to my thoughts quite frankly I just let them linger where they may. In any case I will pull out the 1001 bad scenarios of how it will end, the bright side was just too dim then. I am, however, blessed with my aunt Winnie (Hi auntieeeee :)) who always looks on the good side, a bad side just never exists. Her responses to any situation are always enlightening. She will play out the 1001 good scenarios for you and one Christmas she gave me this book and that about did it for me. Not to give out spoilers but it has great examples of how positive thinking has molded the lives of others and literally changed situations. If you read it and think it's all fiction, my challenge to you is; Every time you are tempted to react in the same old way, ask if you want to be a prisoner of the past or a pioneer of the future.– Deepak Chopra  You have absolutely nothing to loose. And btw I've learned I'm not lucky, I'm blessed and nothing's a coincidence because everything happens for a reason.

I'm still a work in progress, but I'll share a few things that can help you change your mindset. I'm nice like that :). The very first thing will be to start believing in God and yourself. Once you acknowledge that the same God that created the rainbows, the Maldives, the stars, Einstein and Mother Theresa (just to name a few) decided to create you too? Then you know you're here for a reason and you have to live up to it. Have faith that someone is ordering your steps, and believe you me when I say he will never lead you astray, you will start to think positive. One great affirmation I love, "Your will be done".

Speaking of affirmations, I love reading so naturally I'm always on the hunt for books that will continue to give me insight. I read with purpose meaning I study the book. I'm not just trying to get to the last page cause truth be told I can read a whole novel in a day. Reading got better when I picked up Mary Jane's habit from Being Mary Jane (the TV show) of writing those positive words of affirmation, Goals and quotes on my wall. The minute I saw it I thought genius!!!! So now I have a positive wall that I wake to and read everyday. It's a far easier way of reminding yourself of the key points from your reading.

Not much of a reader? that's fine! I got you. Try podcasts and music. I'm not much of a podcast listener but gospel music is the truth! If I'm ever feeling down (and even when I'm feeling good) I go to my gospel playlist and just jam. Tasha Cobbs will have you singing, Kirk Franklin will have you feeling like the entire African continent after the most recent French victory in the world cup and then some and Tye Tribett will literally have you on your feet praising. There's no way you're turning back! Best of all be thankful. Being positive all starts in the mind. When you wake up on a Monday instead of saying; "aghhh I hate mondays" say "I'm thankful I have a job" it shifts your energy sooooo much. Gratitude is key always!

Lastly, be your own hype man, take time for yourself and keep the stress away. You really cannot come and kill yourself over life. Let go of what you cannot change (I'm really talking to myself here) and focus on what you can. It all begins with you!

How you push out the negative. BE GONE!

This will take a while, and I'm happy to provide guidance if you need it. I'm no pro, just a gyal finding her way through this thing called life and always happy to help. I do hope, however, that you consider it and see how your life and energy shifts, how much you appreciate the break of every dawn and how easy you help others around you but most especially yourself. It will be evident in everything you do. There's quality in life, find it.

RECAP, shall we?

• Know whose you are! Major key to accepting you are deserving of everything good.
• Read books geared towards positivity (self-love, acceptance, gratitude etc)
• Write down positive affirmations in a visible place (sticky notes, vision boards etc)
• Listen to podcasts and or gospel music
• Take time for you! Self-love! Be your own hype man.

Out of curiosity which do you think comes first; happiness or success? And what are some of the positive practices you already do? Let me know in the comments below! I can always use more.

Everyday may not be good,
    but there's something good in everyday - Alice Earle