How do you control your thoughts?
I have always thought of myself as positive thinker. As a rule if I get down or I am bombarded by negative thoughts or negative people I try to turn my thoughts to being positive.
It has become so easy to be have negative thoughts in this day and age. The economy is tough and so many people are being affected. We have wars and turmoil going on. If you read or listen to the media you are hit by a ton of negative things.
So how do you control your thoughts? Do you give in to the negative? I have found two things that help me. When I am being bombarded, I either read a book or listen to a CD that will inspire me.
I am reading Appreciation Marketing by Tommy Wyatt and Curtis Lewsey right now. As I was reading this book I came across a poem written by Terri McPherson in one the chapters. I hope you enjoy it.
Choosing a Response
My ability to respond to a world,
over which I have no control,
is a powerful gift.
If I crumble in the face of adversity,
I have chosen to be
weak and beaten down.
If I soar to the heights of happiness,
I have chosen to fly.
Situations will choose me,
But they will never own me.
How I react to them will always
Be a matter my own choice.
This poem really hit home to me. I am the only one in control of my thoughts.
So what can you do to control your thoughts? Here is my suggestion. Read positive and inspirational books. When you are driving in your car or working out, listen to positive and inspirational CD’s. Write down everything you are thankful for. Send a greeting card to someone and try to lift up their spirits.
PS. If you would like a copy of the book please let me know and I will send you one in the mail!
Comment by J on 4 December 2009:
Wow– very nice poem!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Thanks.
Comment by Oscar At Real Life Money Management on 9 March 2010:
I think a lot of your thoughts are influenced by the company you keep. Other people have big influences on us whether we realize it or not. I always do my best, though often fail, to stay in tune with the Prayer of St. Francis:
Lord, make me an instrument of your peace.
Where there is hatred, let me sow love;
where there is injury,pardon;
where there is doubt, faith;
where there is despair, hope;
where there is darkness, light;
and where there is sadness, joy.
O Divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled as to console;
to be understood as to understand;
to be loved as to love.
For it is in giving that we receive;
it is in pardoning that we are pardoned;
and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life. Amen
One of the worlds greatest prayers for those who may not have heard it.