Quite often people come up to me and say, Steve (because that's my name), what's one of the main characteristics that separates a comedian from everyone else? I simply respond, that it's the way a comedian looks at life. A comedian views life and all of its obstacles, absurdities, tragedies, mistakes, incomprehensibility's, and embarrassing moments from a humorous perspective. When comedians look at life this way, they're not negating the seriousness of the subject matter, they're just looking at life from a different perspective - it's a healthier perspective - it's the humor perspective.
Let me share with you how I discovered the power of my Humor Being, which was one of the key factors that motivated me to leave stand-up comedy and move on to the speaking forum.
Following a comedy performance I would feel this surge of positive energy flow through my body. This energy surge gave me the confidence that I could achieve and accomplish anything I set my mind to do. Sometimes I would go back to my hotel room and write in my journal or write new material. It seemed that my creative juices flowed from me, into the pen, and onto the paper. Other times I would go out with a group of people, have wonderful conversations, laugh and have fun. The point is, whatever I did I was totally void of all negative thoughts. My problems - whatever they were at the time - somehow seemed manageable. I was living in the moment and enjoying every minute of it.
Initially I thought the reason for these power surges was because I was feeding my ego. You know, standing ovations, signing autographs, and people wanting to be around me. Although all of these things made me feel good, I knew there had to be more to it than that. Then one night after a comedy performance it hit me. It was at a time in my life when I was at an all-time low. I was either in or very close to a state of depression. All of the old fears and limiting beliefs that I thought I had conquered were back, haunting me again. It took everything I had to muster up enough energy and courage to step onto the stage that night. I remember thinking how ironic life is. There I was, ready to make a sold-out crowd of over five hundred people laugh, when what I really wanted to do was tell them how much life sucked. Much to my surprise, I was able to do both.
In spite of my problems - in fact it was because of my problems - I had one of the most spectacular performances of my career. I was on stage for more than two hours and the crowd wanted more. When I finally stepped off the stage the euphoria hit me with more intensity than ever before. I remember saying to myself, "This is way beyond comedy." I actually felt invincible. I felt a presence in me that radiated confidence and hope. I was in a complete state of love - and it was because I had allowed my Humor Being to take me there.
It was then that I discovered the real reason I got the power surge of positive energy. When I'm up on stage, I am in a totally different state of mind. I'm in a place where my problems and the world's problems are viewed in a different light.
That night I did more than my usual act. I let my Humor Being loose and allowed my higher self to take control. I talked about my world and how it was falling apart. I even talked about some painful experiences from my past. I literally laughed off my frustrations, pain, negative labels, and inner most fears. I vented my anger in a constructive way and the crowd loved it. It was like therapy, with a two major differences, I had fun and I didn't have to pay for it.
A few days after my performance, I began to reflect on what had transpired on stage that night. Without my knowledge the owner of the club had recorded my entire performance. When I viewed the tape, I was amazed at what I heard. It felt strange to listen to myself ramble on about my personal history in such a way. I was never afraid to speak my mind, but if I didn't know any better I would have thought I was possessed or that someone had injected me with some kind of serum that made me reveal parts of myself that were never touched before. I now know it was really my Humor Being exposing my fears for what they were. Through laughter I was able to understand that my negative labels and the fears that belonged to them didn't have to formulate my reality if I didn't want them to.
I also came to understand that the reason the people in the audience enjoyed themselves so much was because they were laughing at extensions of themselves. My stories and the humor behind them helped these people view their own personal problems from a healthier perspective. In other words, our Humor Beings were connected. We were feeding off of each other.
That's what humor does. It makes us realize that we are all the same in God's eyes. We have the same fears, pains, and heartaches. We just have different stories to tell. It doesn't matter who you are, what you do, or how much money you make. It doesn't matter if you're black or white, male or female, rich or poor, conservative or liberal, or homosexual or heterosexual. We all make mistakes. We all have our successes and failures. We all have good times and bad times. Humor just has a way of ironing out the wrinkles. Humor helps us embrace who we really are and gives us enough peace to live with it.
The next time you're being entertained by a comedian, listen to the underlying statement that is so often hidden within the laughter. Many comedians are venting their phobias and innermost fears. Some talk about the pain and hassles of divorce and their inability to stay in relationships. Many discuss their addictions to drugs, alcohol, gambling, and sex. Others find levity in their physical or mental handicaps. Some even describe the abuse they had to endure while growing up. As I said at the beginning of this story, they are not negating the seriousness of the subject matter. They are choosing to view their pain from a healthier perspective.
Monday, April 20, 2009
Friday, April 3, 2009
Change: What You Think Is What You Get!
Let me make this perfectly clear my friends, change is inevitable in the workplace today!!! Right now we are all experiencing very challenging times in regards to an uncertain and shaky economy. The result; companies are going out of business, people are getting laid off, and many are being forced to change their lifestyles. Regardless of the changes that take place in your life, you must know without a doubt that it's not the change in and of itself that determines your fate, but rather it's the thoughts you have about the change that really makes the difference. So, stop whining about it and think about what you're thinking! In fact, your thoughts are the key factor as to whether you embrace the change and move forward with optimism or allow the changes to propel you in to a state of hopelessness.
I often speak to groups on how to embrace change in the workplace. Many times, within each audience the members pretty much have the same educational background, the same job description, and the same or similar responsibilities. Everyone is experiencing the changes that are taking place and yet I know for a fact even after they've heard my program that some, will move forward with enthusiasm and positive energy. They will also achieve great success and enjoy themselves during the process. Others will merely go through the motions because they have to, they will complain along the way and have great difficulty making their lives work. And some will become emotionally mentally paralyzed and unable to escape the grasp of fear.
Why is this so? Why is it that some will move forward and even become empowered as a result of the change; while others will have great difficulty to the point of feeling victimized? I'll tell you why. It's because of what each individual is thinking and saying to themselves.
Some will instantly and continually ask themselves empowering questions and declare empowering statements that will lead to brighter alternatives, such as:
What makes this situation positive?
What are my assets?
This change will force me to learn and that can only make me stronger.
I will make the best of it and enjoy myself along the way.
This is an opportunity for me to grow.
Others will fall prey to the repetitious voice in their heads that never shuts up; that voice is the flow of compulsive fear, based thoughts that usually come from past experiences that never worked out. Here we go again:
Why is this happening to me?
Why can't I ever get a break?
I will never be able to handle this.
What's the use, no one cares anyway.
When your thoughts are expressed in words, you increase their energy and intensify the effect they have in your life.
The act of positive self talk will not only strengthen your character, but also boost your spirit. It is beneficial for you to ask yourself what good can come out of even the most challenging situation no matter how bleak it may seem. Our current economic situation can be viewed as an opportunity to grow if we so choose. It will be difficult, if not impossible for you to seek opportunity if you are consumed with thoughts of fear, anger, and self doubt.
Asking yourself empowering questions and declaring empowering statements help you to rebuild on a foundation of hope. Remember, it's not the change that takes place in your life that causes you to be consumed by fear. Rather, it's how you perceive the change that makes the difference. If what you think is what you get, then you need to create a thinking system that will lead you to take action that will be advantageous in spite of the situation.
Your perception of yourself and this changing world around you are key factors to your success and happiness. If you think you are weak, inadequate or feel victimized then the energy you send out will mirror those thoughts. It will be difficult to succeed and be happy when harboring such thoughts.
If you believe you are powerful and view life as a never-ending learning experience filled with choices - you - will formulate within yourself a sense of hope. Then the energy you send out will mirror those thoughts, enabling you to lead a more fulfilling life.
HIGH POINTS TO REMEMBER
* Regardless of the changes that take place in your life you must
know without a doubt that it's not the change in and of itself that
determines your fate, but rather it's the thoughts you have
about the change that really makes the difference.
* If What You Think Is What You Get, then you need to create a thinking system that will lead you to take action that
will be advantageous in spite of the situation.
* The act of positive self talk will not only strengthen your
character, but also your boost your spirit!
I often speak to groups on how to embrace change in the workplace. Many times, within each audience the members pretty much have the same educational background, the same job description, and the same or similar responsibilities. Everyone is experiencing the changes that are taking place and yet I know for a fact even after they've heard my program that some, will move forward with enthusiasm and positive energy. They will also achieve great success and enjoy themselves during the process. Others will merely go through the motions because they have to, they will complain along the way and have great difficulty making their lives work. And some will become emotionally mentally paralyzed and unable to escape the grasp of fear.
Why is this so? Why is it that some will move forward and even become empowered as a result of the change; while others will have great difficulty to the point of feeling victimized? I'll tell you why. It's because of what each individual is thinking and saying to themselves.
Some will instantly and continually ask themselves empowering questions and declare empowering statements that will lead to brighter alternatives, such as:
What makes this situation positive?
What are my assets?
This change will force me to learn and that can only make me stronger.
I will make the best of it and enjoy myself along the way.
This is an opportunity for me to grow.
Others will fall prey to the repetitious voice in their heads that never shuts up; that voice is the flow of compulsive fear, based thoughts that usually come from past experiences that never worked out. Here we go again:
Why is this happening to me?
Why can't I ever get a break?
I will never be able to handle this.
What's the use, no one cares anyway.
When your thoughts are expressed in words, you increase their energy and intensify the effect they have in your life.
The act of positive self talk will not only strengthen your character, but also boost your spirit. It is beneficial for you to ask yourself what good can come out of even the most challenging situation no matter how bleak it may seem. Our current economic situation can be viewed as an opportunity to grow if we so choose. It will be difficult, if not impossible for you to seek opportunity if you are consumed with thoughts of fear, anger, and self doubt.
Asking yourself empowering questions and declaring empowering statements help you to rebuild on a foundation of hope. Remember, it's not the change that takes place in your life that causes you to be consumed by fear. Rather, it's how you perceive the change that makes the difference. If what you think is what you get, then you need to create a thinking system that will lead you to take action that will be advantageous in spite of the situation.
Your perception of yourself and this changing world around you are key factors to your success and happiness. If you think you are weak, inadequate or feel victimized then the energy you send out will mirror those thoughts. It will be difficult to succeed and be happy when harboring such thoughts.
If you believe you are powerful and view life as a never-ending learning experience filled with choices - you - will formulate within yourself a sense of hope. Then the energy you send out will mirror those thoughts, enabling you to lead a more fulfilling life.
HIGH POINTS TO REMEMBER
* Regardless of the changes that take place in your life you must
know without a doubt that it's not the change in and of itself that
determines your fate, but rather it's the thoughts you have
about the change that really makes the difference.
* If What You Think Is What You Get, then you need to create a thinking system that will lead you to take action that
will be advantageous in spite of the situation.
* The act of positive self talk will not only strengthen your
character, but also your boost your spirit!
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
LAUGHTER & EXTREME ADVERSITY
Years ago, I attended the wake and funeral services of a friend who was killed in a car crash. He was loved by everyone who had the pleasure of knowing him. I have been to many wakes, viewings, funeral services and memorials throughout the course of my life, but there was something special about this one in particular. An awareness came over me that caused me to view the losses in my life from a different perspective.
When the funeral service was over, a group of us met at a relatives house. As you can imagine, people were wiping away tears and consoling one another. Some were understandably having difficulty accepting the unfair twist of fate that life had thrust upon him. We all were.
From across the room, I overheard an acquaintance telling part of a story that I was familiar with about our friend when he was in high school. I noticed that a few people were laughing along with it. Then someone else joined in on the conversation and offered an anecdote about the dearly departed's affinity for football. Before long, everyone in the room was laughing and reminiscing about the good times they had. In the midst of all the laughter, I had a strange, uplifting feeling come to me. This feeling can best be described as a smile from within. I realized I was no longer grieving over my friend.
My energy immediately shifted and I was temporarily delivered from my pain. At that moment, I think we all felt a special connection to him. In fact, his wife said, "You know I miss him and always will, but right now, I feel like a part of him is with us and always will be." Then she paused and said, "It's as if he's saying to all of us, It's okay. I'm okay. Everything is as it should be and I will always be with you."
Of course, we all started crying again, but this time, they were tears of hope. At that given moment his death was not the point of focus. The only thing that mattered was the powerful feeling we were all experiencing. We were celebrating and embracing the spirit of our love for him. It was our ability to laugh and reminisce about the good times that ignited that powerful sense of his spirit. In such a short time, our Humor Beings took us from a place of pain and uncertainty to a place of inner peace and hope. Laughter made us realize that, throughout our life journey there are no goodbyes, only good memories. The spirit moves on, and we all move on, in turn, in life. We all felt the smile from within that day. I believe laughter derives from the spirit. It has a magical way of breaking down barriers that make us feel like we are alone and reminds us that somehow we are all connected. We all have fear and pain to deal with. It's part of life, period. Laughter has a way, though of smoothing out the wrinkles and gives us enough hope and peace to move on.
Suffering may not be unavoidable, but just plain suffering can be avoided. Finding the laughter in between the tough times is essential to living a happier life. It's your Humor Being, urging you and reminding you that life still goes on, regardless of whether you like the way it goes or not. There will be good times and bad times, but in the end, all you'll really leave behind are memories. So you might as well attempt to enjoy them all!!!
When the funeral service was over, a group of us met at a relatives house. As you can imagine, people were wiping away tears and consoling one another. Some were understandably having difficulty accepting the unfair twist of fate that life had thrust upon him. We all were.
From across the room, I overheard an acquaintance telling part of a story that I was familiar with about our friend when he was in high school. I noticed that a few people were laughing along with it. Then someone else joined in on the conversation and offered an anecdote about the dearly departed's affinity for football. Before long, everyone in the room was laughing and reminiscing about the good times they had. In the midst of all the laughter, I had a strange, uplifting feeling come to me. This feeling can best be described as a smile from within. I realized I was no longer grieving over my friend.
My energy immediately shifted and I was temporarily delivered from my pain. At that moment, I think we all felt a special connection to him. In fact, his wife said, "You know I miss him and always will, but right now, I feel like a part of him is with us and always will be." Then she paused and said, "It's as if he's saying to all of us, It's okay. I'm okay. Everything is as it should be and I will always be with you."
Of course, we all started crying again, but this time, they were tears of hope. At that given moment his death was not the point of focus. The only thing that mattered was the powerful feeling we were all experiencing. We were celebrating and embracing the spirit of our love for him. It was our ability to laugh and reminisce about the good times that ignited that powerful sense of his spirit. In such a short time, our Humor Beings took us from a place of pain and uncertainty to a place of inner peace and hope. Laughter made us realize that, throughout our life journey there are no goodbyes, only good memories. The spirit moves on, and we all move on, in turn, in life. We all felt the smile from within that day. I believe laughter derives from the spirit. It has a magical way of breaking down barriers that make us feel like we are alone and reminds us that somehow we are all connected. We all have fear and pain to deal with. It's part of life, period. Laughter has a way, though of smoothing out the wrinkles and gives us enough hope and peace to move on.
Suffering may not be unavoidable, but just plain suffering can be avoided. Finding the laughter in between the tough times is essential to living a happier life. It's your Humor Being, urging you and reminding you that life still goes on, regardless of whether you like the way it goes or not. There will be good times and bad times, but in the end, all you'll really leave behind are memories. So you might as well attempt to enjoy them all!!!
Thursday, March 5, 2009
UNLEASH THE POWER OF YOUR "HUMOR BEING"
We're living in a world that's moving incredibly fast. On top of our personal problems and everyday pressures, we read the newspapers and watch the evening newscasts to learn that corporations are being forced to downsize and massive technological advancements in the workplace are causing people to drastically change their lives. Cell phones, Blackberry's, e-mails, text messages, and even micro-communication applications like Twitter are clogging our minds with an overwhelming amount of information, leaving us with little or no time to relax, unwind, and focus our attention on the big picture.
To compound this, political unrest, crime, disease, prejudice, and violence are running rampant, as they have done for decades on end. The divorce rate is at an all time high and war seems to be the only answer to remedy differences between nations. It's really no wonder why so many of us have to be medicated in some way or another in order to cope with the madness we have created!
We all need something to reduce the tension, the fast pace that we are subjected to everyday. I honestly believe that our ability to occasionally laugh off the major and minor tensions in our lives is crucial in order for us to survive the insanity. I'm not suggesting, I'm telling you that we have to take time out each day and laugh. Why do you think that people go to the comedy clubs? Because they want to laugh. Why do they want laugh? The same reason they have sex, it simply makes them feel good. A physiological and mental reaction takes place when you laugh. Laughter charges your inner battery and helps you to cope with the tough times. Even if you are having a really bad day, when you laugh life doesn't seem that bad after all.
This is why I urge you to unleash the power of your Humor Being on a daily basis. Right now you're probably wondering, "Great Steve, but what is a "Humor Being?" That, I can explain. Let me start off by saying that I believe that everyone on this planet is born with a Humor Being within them. Unfortunately some people live their entire lives without ever knowing they have the power to change their attitude by laughing, let alone how to tap into it and make it work for them.
Your Humor Being is one facet of your higher self. It's the part of you that brings out the best when times get tough. What your Humor Being can give you more than anything else is emotional stability and peace of mind.
I want you to take a few moments right now and think of the challenges you are faced with every day, personally and professionally. Now I want you to focus on a particular problem you may have at home or at work: health issues, financial problems, divorce, job security, or anything that is a current cause for concern. Pay particular attention to the emotions you are feeling as a result, such as worry, anxiety, anger or fear and notice how difficult it is not to take your problems from home to work and vice-a-versa. Not only is it important to know you have a Humor Being within you, it is essential that you use it everyday throughout your entire life. Your Humor Being will save you from despair time and time again, and before you know it, you won't need saving quite as often. Invoking your Humor Being as a habit will turn you into a better person with a brighter outlook. We go through our lives and we allow unfortunate situations, unlucky circumstances, and foul people to suck the energy right out of us, because we don't know that we have the tools that can help us cope well or even heal ourselves after bad encounters. One such tool in your Humor Being. Those who live in harmony with their Humor Being always see the brighter alternative to a negative situation. They embrace change more easily and make conscious choices to enjoy themselves during the process. Your natural state is that of joy and inner peace. It's your responsibility to stay connected to that state each and every day throughout your entire life. It's your Humor Being's job to help you stay connected.
To compound this, political unrest, crime, disease, prejudice, and violence are running rampant, as they have done for decades on end. The divorce rate is at an all time high and war seems to be the only answer to remedy differences between nations. It's really no wonder why so many of us have to be medicated in some way or another in order to cope with the madness we have created!
We all need something to reduce the tension, the fast pace that we are subjected to everyday. I honestly believe that our ability to occasionally laugh off the major and minor tensions in our lives is crucial in order for us to survive the insanity. I'm not suggesting, I'm telling you that we have to take time out each day and laugh. Why do you think that people go to the comedy clubs? Because they want to laugh. Why do they want laugh? The same reason they have sex, it simply makes them feel good. A physiological and mental reaction takes place when you laugh. Laughter charges your inner battery and helps you to cope with the tough times. Even if you are having a really bad day, when you laugh life doesn't seem that bad after all.
This is why I urge you to unleash the power of your Humor Being on a daily basis. Right now you're probably wondering, "Great Steve, but what is a "Humor Being?" That, I can explain. Let me start off by saying that I believe that everyone on this planet is born with a Humor Being within them. Unfortunately some people live their entire lives without ever knowing they have the power to change their attitude by laughing, let alone how to tap into it and make it work for them.
Your Humor Being is one facet of your higher self. It's the part of you that brings out the best when times get tough. What your Humor Being can give you more than anything else is emotional stability and peace of mind.
I want you to take a few moments right now and think of the challenges you are faced with every day, personally and professionally. Now I want you to focus on a particular problem you may have at home or at work: health issues, financial problems, divorce, job security, or anything that is a current cause for concern. Pay particular attention to the emotions you are feeling as a result, such as worry, anxiety, anger or fear and notice how difficult it is not to take your problems from home to work and vice-a-versa. Not only is it important to know you have a Humor Being within you, it is essential that you use it everyday throughout your entire life. Your Humor Being will save you from despair time and time again, and before you know it, you won't need saving quite as often. Invoking your Humor Being as a habit will turn you into a better person with a brighter outlook. We go through our lives and we allow unfortunate situations, unlucky circumstances, and foul people to suck the energy right out of us, because we don't know that we have the tools that can help us cope well or even heal ourselves after bad encounters. One such tool in your Humor Being. Those who live in harmony with their Humor Being always see the brighter alternative to a negative situation. They embrace change more easily and make conscious choices to enjoy themselves during the process. Your natural state is that of joy and inner peace. It's your responsibility to stay connected to that state each and every day throughout your entire life. It's your Humor Being's job to help you stay connected.
Thursday, February 12, 2009
Speak Words that Empower You
Thoughts are one thing. Sometimes, you can even convince yourself that you're not being very negative, especially when the situation really calls for some good old fashioned angst. Words are an entirely different and often times more powerful animal. We need to be especially careful about the words we speak out loud when things aren't going the way we want. Yes, it's true that what you think is what you get, but what you say out loud in the midst of troubling times has even greater impact on how long you stay in those situations and how deeply you are affected by the situation. If you're always describing your problems with defeatist language, don't be surprised if you live in constant turmoil and you feel like you are constantly saying, "I never get a break", "I'm not lucky", and "Good things never happen to me". What do you expect? These words are not only self defeating in the moment, but they keep you from seeing possibilities to a brighter outcome or finding solutions to problems.
The inevitability that your words will affect your attitude and thus your situation, is spiritual law that always works to perfection, whether what you are saying is positive or negative. The moment you open up your mouth to say something, you ignite the beginning stages that lead to enormous creative power. You can create your own reality with your words, ultimately building high walls that keep you trapped in or bridges that can help you escape your situation gracefully. Again, the choice is yours, but do understand this: You will never be able to see the escape from a hole of negativity by voicing more of the same. Either wallow in it or give yourself a fighting chance to get out.
The inevitability that your words will affect your attitude and thus your situation, is spiritual law that always works to perfection, whether what you are saying is positive or negative. The moment you open up your mouth to say something, you ignite the beginning stages that lead to enormous creative power. You can create your own reality with your words, ultimately building high walls that keep you trapped in or bridges that can help you escape your situation gracefully. Again, the choice is yours, but do understand this: You will never be able to see the escape from a hole of negativity by voicing more of the same. Either wallow in it or give yourself a fighting chance to get out.
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
What It Means To Be Positive
Anyone can tell you that one key to living a happy, successful life is having a positive attitude, especially during adverse times. I know that sometimes there just isn't justification for all the unfortunate things that happen to us. But I also know that we all have what it takes to deal with misfortune when it occurs. This is what acquiring a positive attitude is all about. It's about fortifying yourself for a fight with a very real enemy: Your own negativity.
I know this is much easier-said-than-done. I know that sometimes it seems impossible to stand tall and be positive when it feels like your world is falling apart around you. Yet this is something that can be achieved, and it's an attitude that's worth acquiring and keeping sharp. Who knows? Your life may depend on it some day.
The word "positive" seems to frustrate a lot of people. I hear people say, "How do you expect me to be positive when nothing in my life is working?" Or, "It's easy for you to be positive and feel blessed. You didn't lose someone you love."
Maybe we should consider a more realistic interpretation of what it means to be positive. Being positive isn't always a Disney movie. I have learned that being positive isn't always about feeling good. Oddly, it's healthy to feel bad sometimes. That's a good thing. That means you're not a robot. Are you with me? And being positive doesn't mean we never make mistakes. True positivism is knowing that we learn from making these mistakes and move forward with an optimism that we are better people for having made them, richer, deeper, and more resilient than before. Being positive doesn't mean that we should always smile and enjoy every moment of our lives. Give me a break! It's knowing that sometimes it's okay to cry, mourn, and feel sad. You don't always have to be in control of your emotions. Sometimes it's okay to get angry and lose your temper. Don't worry, your positivity license won't be revoked.
People who are generally positive have problems just like everyone else. What separates the chronically positive from everyone else is that they know that their problems are simply part of the process of life. After, and sometimes during, a crisis positive people respond to a habitual mechanism that enables them to pay attention to parts of their lives that don't make them want to spontaneously burst into tears in the middles of the produce aisle. They find a way to shift their perspective and hold on to only the things that bring them joy. This is the quality that keeps them from feeling victimized. Pain is unavoidable, but to a person with a positive attitude, that's all it is: Pain, simple, temporary and uncompounded by doubt and comparisons to past experience.
Positive people instinctively know that adversity is necessary in order for them to grow. We are here on Earth to experience, learn, grow, and become the person we are meant to become. It can't be stressed enough that the filter through which you view experience ultimately determines who you become. How we choose to experience what happens to us, be it good or bad, will determine what we learn. What we learn determines how we grow, and this continued growth is what shapes who and what we become. If we can comprehend this, it will help free us from feeling victimized when times are tough, and just maybe help you to compare a challenging situation with a pop quiz in Life: 101, rather than , say, the apocalypse.
I know this is much easier-said-than-done. I know that sometimes it seems impossible to stand tall and be positive when it feels like your world is falling apart around you. Yet this is something that can be achieved, and it's an attitude that's worth acquiring and keeping sharp. Who knows? Your life may depend on it some day.
The word "positive" seems to frustrate a lot of people. I hear people say, "How do you expect me to be positive when nothing in my life is working?" Or, "It's easy for you to be positive and feel blessed. You didn't lose someone you love."
Maybe we should consider a more realistic interpretation of what it means to be positive. Being positive isn't always a Disney movie. I have learned that being positive isn't always about feeling good. Oddly, it's healthy to feel bad sometimes. That's a good thing. That means you're not a robot. Are you with me? And being positive doesn't mean we never make mistakes. True positivism is knowing that we learn from making these mistakes and move forward with an optimism that we are better people for having made them, richer, deeper, and more resilient than before. Being positive doesn't mean that we should always smile and enjoy every moment of our lives. Give me a break! It's knowing that sometimes it's okay to cry, mourn, and feel sad. You don't always have to be in control of your emotions. Sometimes it's okay to get angry and lose your temper. Don't worry, your positivity license won't be revoked.
People who are generally positive have problems just like everyone else. What separates the chronically positive from everyone else is that they know that their problems are simply part of the process of life. After, and sometimes during, a crisis positive people respond to a habitual mechanism that enables them to pay attention to parts of their lives that don't make them want to spontaneously burst into tears in the middles of the produce aisle. They find a way to shift their perspective and hold on to only the things that bring them joy. This is the quality that keeps them from feeling victimized. Pain is unavoidable, but to a person with a positive attitude, that's all it is: Pain, simple, temporary and uncompounded by doubt and comparisons to past experience.
Positive people instinctively know that adversity is necessary in order for them to grow. We are here on Earth to experience, learn, grow, and become the person we are meant to become. It can't be stressed enough that the filter through which you view experience ultimately determines who you become. How we choose to experience what happens to us, be it good or bad, will determine what we learn. What we learn determines how we grow, and this continued growth is what shapes who and what we become. If we can comprehend this, it will help free us from feeling victimized when times are tough, and just maybe help you to compare a challenging situation with a pop quiz in Life: 101, rather than , say, the apocalypse.
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
What You Think Is What You Get
I find it absolutely amazing that some people seem to have every advantage within their reach and still manage to destroy their lives and sabotage their success and happiness. Then there are those who seem to have every disadvantage thrown their way and choose to move forward and refuse to go down. They take what appears to be the greatest of challenges and somehow manage to make their lives work and enjoy the process.
It has always been my experience that those who choose the latter alternative somehow, consciously or unconsciously, direct their thoughts to create an empowering belief system that eventually steers them to a brighter outcome.
If there is one thing I would love for you to walk away with more that anything else after reading this article, it would be for you to understand that you have the power to experience any challenge in your life from a healthier perspective. Notice I didn't say some challenges, I said any challenge. How you experience your challenges are by the thoughts that you continually program into your brain day in and day out.
Contrary to what most people believe, it's not the situation, it's not the event, and it's not the circumstance in and of themselves that determine your quality of life. Rather it's the way you think about life's hard times that will minimize or maximize the impact they have on you. Each and every thought that you have can be appraised as to whether it strengthens you or weakens you.
People who are successful and attract wealth into their lives consciously or unconsciously think successful thoughts. Whether they are aware of it or not, they create predominant thoughts of wealth and abundance on a consistent basis. They don't allow negative thoughts of lack and failure to blossom and take over their minds. You can see evidence of this in the people you come in contact with everyday.
Haven't you noticed that those who are always talking about their ailments are always ill. Those who speak about prosperity are prosperous. Those who always talk about how wonderful life is are always happy and so on.
There is no getting away from the fact that the more dominant your thoughts on any subject in your life, the more you solidify your life experience. Whatever you habitually think about or focus on the most will appear in your life.
The Bible says, "As a man thinketh so shall he be". Many people refer to this as the Law of Attraction. Some have come to know it as "The Secret". I'm from New York and I say "What you think is what you get". (Leave it to a New Yorker to tell it like it is!) It really doesn't matter what you call it. All you need to know is that this spiritual law does not know good from bad, right from wrong, or true from false. It does not judge and it doesn't excuse negative thinking. It simply works in accordance to what you're thinking. Like I said, "What you think is what you get". Get it! You need to understand that this powerful law can either make you or break you.
The great poet Milton said, "The mind is its own place and it can make a heaven of hell or a hell of heaven". What a powerful statement and how true it is. The mind is its own place, but it's important that you understand that your thoughts feed your mind. Those very thoughts are the determining factors that make a heaven of hell or a hell of heaven in your life.
It has always been my experience that those who choose the latter alternative somehow, consciously or unconsciously, direct their thoughts to create an empowering belief system that eventually steers them to a brighter outcome.
If there is one thing I would love for you to walk away with more that anything else after reading this article, it would be for you to understand that you have the power to experience any challenge in your life from a healthier perspective. Notice I didn't say some challenges, I said any challenge. How you experience your challenges are by the thoughts that you continually program into your brain day in and day out.
Contrary to what most people believe, it's not the situation, it's not the event, and it's not the circumstance in and of themselves that determine your quality of life. Rather it's the way you think about life's hard times that will minimize or maximize the impact they have on you. Each and every thought that you have can be appraised as to whether it strengthens you or weakens you.
People who are successful and attract wealth into their lives consciously or unconsciously think successful thoughts. Whether they are aware of it or not, they create predominant thoughts of wealth and abundance on a consistent basis. They don't allow negative thoughts of lack and failure to blossom and take over their minds. You can see evidence of this in the people you come in contact with everyday.
Haven't you noticed that those who are always talking about their ailments are always ill. Those who speak about prosperity are prosperous. Those who always talk about how wonderful life is are always happy and so on.
There is no getting away from the fact that the more dominant your thoughts on any subject in your life, the more you solidify your life experience. Whatever you habitually think about or focus on the most will appear in your life.
The Bible says, "As a man thinketh so shall he be". Many people refer to this as the Law of Attraction. Some have come to know it as "The Secret". I'm from New York and I say "What you think is what you get". (Leave it to a New Yorker to tell it like it is!) It really doesn't matter what you call it. All you need to know is that this spiritual law does not know good from bad, right from wrong, or true from false. It does not judge and it doesn't excuse negative thinking. It simply works in accordance to what you're thinking. Like I said, "What you think is what you get". Get it! You need to understand that this powerful law can either make you or break you.
The great poet Milton said, "The mind is its own place and it can make a heaven of hell or a hell of heaven". What a powerful statement and how true it is. The mind is its own place, but it's important that you understand that your thoughts feed your mind. Those very thoughts are the determining factors that make a heaven of hell or a hell of heaven in your life.
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