Think Positive!

How do you talk to yourself? Do you say, “I can handle whatever comes along”? Or is it more like, “I’ll never be able to do this”?

The messages you give yourself can have a profound impact on your self-worth as well as your perceptions of the world around you, says behavioral health nurse William Leiner Jr., R.N., of Lehigh Valley Hospital and Health Network. Negative thoughts can limit your potential and make you unhappy and stressed, while positive affirmations can develop the inner strength you need to achieve your goals.

How you feel about yourself is picked up by others, too. “If you project positive feelings, you’re more likely to attract other positive people,” Leiner says. “And the more connected you are, the healthier you’ll be.”

Even if you’re not naturally positive, you can develop positive selftalk with practice. Here’s how:

■ First, listen to your inner voice. Does it put you down or lift you up? Keep track of your thoughts in a journal so you can start noticing patterns.

■ Think about what you want to achieve in your work, health, relationships and anything else that’s important to you.

■ Create statements that reflect these desires, and repeat them to yourself every day. Don’t be afraid to say these affirmations out loud or write them down.

■ When a negative thought begins, stop it midstream and reframe it in a positive way. Even using milder words can help (“annoying” rather than “horrible”). Ask yourself how you can do something rather than assuming you can’t do it.

■ Don’t automatically assume something or someone is a problem. The situation may not be as bad as you think. You may even be able to make something good come from it.

If your thoughts are profoundly negative or suddenly change from positive to negative, seek professional help. These are symptoms of depression, a condition that can be treated.

“Positive self-talk is an ongoing process,” Leiner says. “It’s part of your lifelong journey to a strong inner self. Be sure to transmit positive thoughts and energy to the children and grandchildren in your life, whose journeys are just beginning.”

Want to Know More about staying positive? Call 610-402-CARE.

Published from Healthy You Magazine, July-August 2008

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