Give a gift – the gift of The Positive …

“Once you replace negative thoughts with positive ones, you’ll start having positive results.” – Willie Nelson

It is Christmas morning perhaps when you are reading this – or sometime thereafter. I thought I would repeat a blog I wrote last year around the holidays that generated a number of emails and phone calls. The blog challenged each and all to find their way through the “noise” we live in at this time of the year, and find and accept the gift of The Positive.

Our best wishes to you and yours this holiday season as we close out the year. Up next – a great 2012!

I hope you enjoy – Dan
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One of the greatest gifts you can give is The Positive. The state of mind and being that many long for, but sometimes do not get. The aura that others see and admire when around The Positive.

So just what is The Positive …

It is an acceptance and commitment in life to look at the positive side, to accept the good in others and to put aside mind-sucking thoughts of negativity. It is then living a positive life – and demonstrating this to others.

In short, it is, for some, a new behavior. It is taking the difficulties once might be having on-the-job or looking for a job and focusing on the small “wins” – the interview, finding a job that might be good for you, or handling something at work that you knew you did well. It might be a thank you from someone or a smile from a patient or their family. Small but important in life.

It is the way you go about your life and the connections you make. It isn’t just you being positive – it is a gift to show others that anxiety has no place in celebration and really, no value.

We are bombarded with negative messages each and every day – in broadcast, online, from others around us and sometimes from ourselves. It is hard to escape from. It can be easy to accept negativity – and look at life and situations as half-empty vs. half-full at times. For many, while it is difficult to understand, it is the “easy” way in life.

To be in The Positive you must accept a new behavior and vow to practice it – everyday and consistently. It is framing your mind through affirmations, reading, being around those of like mind and letting go of the small stuff:

* Rather than focus on why your family guest was late for a holiday celebration, embrace that they are there and enjoy their company.
* When looking back on the year, why focus on the jobs you didn’t qualify for – rather focus on those you know will come in the very near future and visualize your success. Focusing on history is a total waste of mind matter – you can’t change history so why try!
* Don’t think about the connections you haven’t heard from – take steps to make connections. Use social networking tools or the tried-and-true note or card in the mail.

How do you begin to change your behavior and accept The Positive? …

It is like learning a new language – you have to practice – practice – practice Maybe start by reading and experiencing the changes others have made or experienced — perhaps it will “rub” off. Some recommended reading (and these would be great gifts too) from my “source” – my wife Vikki, the most positive person I have ever met:

* The Alchemist, Paulo Coelho, Harper One, Division of HarperCollins Publishers (www.amazon.com/Alchemist-Fable-About-Following-Dream/dp/0062502182)
* There is a Spiritual Solution to Every Problem, Wayne W. Dyer, HarperCollins Publishers www.amazon.com/Theres-Spiritual-Solution-Every-Problem/dp/0060192305
* Earth’s Elders: Wisdom of the World’s Oldest People, Jerry Friedman, www.earthselders.org

Please note: These are not how-to or get-your-head-on-straight books – these are stories of others who have learned from others, experienced life-change and demonstrate the power of being positive. If you feel you need to visualize the power of positive thoughts and messaging, consider The Secret, Rhonda Bryne, www.thesecret.tv — a bit more spiritual in nature, but a mind-opener. If you want to give the gift of positive thinking and time’s running out, you will find most of these at a local bookseller.

When you accept and adopt the behavior, your world changes. Your outlook is brighter. You feel better – and think clearer.

In whatever manner you celebrate this festive season , my greetings to you and your family.

And thank you for reading this — Dan