positive living

One might be tempted to assume that living and thinking positive entails seeing the world through some-coloured lenses by ignoring or glossing over the negative aspects of life. However, it actually means approaching life's challenges with a positive outlook.

Abraham Lincoln once said-"Most folks are about as happy as they make up their minds to be."

 When one has a positive mind, it doesn’t necessary mean you start avoiding and ignoring the bad things or things that seems to be evil to the eye, rather it involves making the most of the potentially bad situations, trying to see the best in oneself in a positive light and also viewing other people in the same angle. 

In a biblical perspective it is well illustrated in Proverbs 17:22 “A joyful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.”

 To accomplish anything, we have to believe we are up to the challenge. That doesn’t mean it will be easy or that we even know how we are going to accomplish it. usually, we don’t know.it just means we believe we are capable; we have what it takes to prevail. Why is that important? because every thought and every goal have obstacles and the best thing to do is to cheer self. 

Some researchers,frame positive thinking in terms of explanatory style. this is how you explain why events happen. In reality People with an optimistic explanatory style tend to give themselves credit when good things happen, but always blame outside forces for bad outcomes. They also tend to see negative events as temporary.

 On the other hand, individuals with a pessimistic explanatory style often blame themselves when bad things happen, but fail to give themselves adequate credit for successful outcomes. They have a tendency to view negative events as expected and lasting. As you can imagine, blaming yourself for events outside of your control or viewing these unfortunate events as a persistent part of your life can have an impact on your state of mind.

 Positive thinkers are more apt to use an optimistic explanatory style, but the way in which people attribute events can also vary depending upon the exact situation. For example, a person who is generally a positive thinker might use a more pessimistic explanatory style in particularly challenging situations, such as at work or at school.

 positive thinking is linked to a wide range of optimistic attitudes and health benefits including: • Better stress management and coping skills 

• Enhanced psychological health

 • Greater resistance to the common cold

 • Increased physical well-being

 • Longer life span 

• Lower rates of depression

 • Reduced risk of cardiovascular disease-related deaths

 In older adults it is found that positive thinking could also reduce frailty during old age. 

Proverbs 15:13 “A joyful heart makes a cheerful countenance, but sorrow of the heart crushes the spirit.” 

Clearly, there are many benefits of having a positive mind, but why exactly does positive thinking have such a strong impact on physical and mental health. 

One theory is that people who think positively tend to be less affected by stress. Another possibility is that people who think positively tend to live healthier lives in general; they may exercise more, follow a more nutritious diet, and avoid unhealthy behaviours.

 While the terms "positive thinking" and "positive psychology" are sometimes used interchangeably, it is important to understand that they are not the same thing.

 First, living with a positive thought is about looking at things from a positive point of view. Positive psychology certainly tends to focus on optimism, but it also notes that while there are many benefits to thinking positively, there are actually times when more realistic thinking is more advantageous.

 For example, in some situations negative thinking can actually lead to more accurate decisions and outcomes. Researchers have also found that in some cases, optimistic thinking can improve physical health. 

Even if you are not a natural-born optimist, there are things you can do to learn how to think more positive and become a positive thinker. One way is to focus on your own inner monologue. 

The way we think will always affect how we react to bad news and disappointments. In trials our thinking can lead to depression or it can lead to us joyfully praising the Lord. We have to make a practice of renewing our minds and have a positive view of life.