How does one think more positively?

Question

I'm a good person, but thoughout my life for some reason have been the subject of abuses and degration. How can I think more positively about myself and the world?

Answer 1

The trick is NOT to try to think positively about yourself or the world, the trick is just to think positive and FEEL GOOD.

In his book You Can Be Happy No Matter What, Richard Carlson (who also wrote Don't Sweat the Small Stuff) says WHAT we think affects how we FEEL which causes our MOODS. Then the MOOD affects what we FEEL which affects our thoughts. It becomes a vicious circle.

When you start to think or feel negative, STOP THINKING ABOUT WHATEVER YOU ARE THINKING and DELIBERATELY start thinking about things that make you happy. You have to make a deliberate effort. I just say things to myself like "I like the song Forever Young by Rod Stewart, I like chocolate chip cookies, I like the movie French Kiss" By changing my focus I immediately change my feelings and then my thoughts automatically go back to positive. You might want to make a "Happy" list and carry it with you for those times when negative thoughts/feelings get the best of you.

Or, if you're able, DO something that makes you feel good (like listening to your favorite CD).

In her book The Secret, Rhonda Byrne recommends starting your day (before you even get out of bed) by saying to yourself THANK YOU for all the things in your life you are grateful for. This is a great way to start your day in a positive mood. Like, "thank you for my warm bed, thank you for the roof over my head, thank you for ...whatever you are grateful for)

Updated 02/06/07

If you feel bad about yourself or the abuses that happened to you, you need to forgive YOURSELF. Please read How to Heal Your Life by Louise Hay. You can find out more about Louise on Amazon.com or www.HayHouse.com or check out www.HayHouseRadio.com (on-line radio).

Answer 2

Well unfortunately there's always people to like to take advantage of others you will find lots of them in your life but just like there's people that don't care about other there are many who are caring and decent you cant base your emotions on those who have been bad to you in regards to the world yes is a very stress times we are leaving but hey there's always something good that happens don't base anything on bad things always try to find the good in everything believe me there's always something positive is like they say after the storm past there's always calm Good luck

Answer 3

you have to believe in your self and your abilities, and not be a target for people that want to use you for a door mat. No one can make you feel inferior with out your consent