Thinking Creates Happiness

Nothing is good or bad but thinking makes it so.
--Shakespeare

Look for the Good

Life is an interpretive experience. What happens is less important than how we respond to our circumstances. An intense stimulus that some people report as pain others report as pleasure. It is we who decide what the interpretation will be.

Are you a "good finder"? A recent study of the country's millionaires showed that the most common trait they all shared was the ability to discover good in any situation. This trait is also common in "triumphant survivors" - those individuals who overcome adversity and emerge strengthened and renewed.

A sincere spiritual seeker suffering from a chronic illness wondered, "Why haven't my prayers been answered?" One day, in deep meditation the reply came: "Look for the good in your situation and you will see that the answer has already been provided." Suddenly this woman realized that her crisis provided a wonderful opportunity. She embarked on a program of nutrition, exercise, and yoga, which led to a dramatic improvement in the quality of her life.

Abraham Lincoln once said, "Most people are about as happy as they make up their minds to be." Your state of mind is up to you. Choose now to look for the good.
Thought from Hazelton

What a powerful message. Lately, most of the inspirational messages passing thru my inbox is about how our thinking plays a role in creating peace and happiness in our lives.

Carole was thinking how lonely she was and her husband never gave her any type of support. She used the food to feel better and then was upset because the numbers on the scale were going up instead of down.

After one of our coaching sessions, Carole realized she was making herself feel like a victim instead of taking the action to turn her life around. We discussed small steps she could take to feel peace and love instead of resentment. Carole took a stand and started making small changes in her life. A miracle happened and slowly her thinking and life changed. Today she feels love for herself and others.

Some action steps Carole took:

1. Gave her husband a big hug when he walked in the door. What usually happened he hugged her back which made them both happy.
2. Made plans to take a long weekend instead of waiting for her husband to make them. They both got to go away and enjoy each other.
3. Did something nice for herself each day. Making time for herself made her feel special.

What power and strength we have within ourselves to simply change our thinking and behavior and find the good in everything.

Please share your experiences with the Love Yourself – It Matters Community. Together we will make our lives and world a better place to live.