Positive Thinking and Options

Positive thinking is an optimistic attitude. Optimism is a tendency to expect the best possible outcome or dwell on the most hopeful aspects of a situation. Attitude is a manner of thinking, feeling, or behaving that reflects a state of mind or disposition. Therefore, positive thinking is a manner of thinking that tends towards expecting the best possible outcome in any given situation.

An option is the opportunity or ability to choose something or to choose between two or more things: something that can be chosen: a choice or possibility. A person can opt to think positive or negative regarding any given circumstance, or situation, it is a personal choice that each individual chooses to make.

On the other end of the spectrum, negative thinking is consisting in or characterized by the absence rather than the presence of distinguishing features. A negative attitude is one that is pessimistic, gloomy, defeatist and cynical. Few would deny that a optimistic view of life now and in the future adds to happiness.

In a 30-year study of over 800 patients by the Mayo clinic, scientists found that optimists had better health and lived significantly longer than other. The researchers also noted that optimists coped better with stress and were less likely to develop depression. Doctor recognize the sound wisdom of Proverbs 17:22 a "cheerful heart does good as a cure." (American Standard Version).

The truth of the matter is, that it is not always easy to be positive, yet it can be done. One thing we all have in common, is the ability to effect force of will on our selves. Force of will is defined as aplomb, composure, mind, poise, possession, self-command, self control, self-possession, self-will, strength of will, will, and willpower. In effect, we can change our thinking by forcing ourselves to do so.

Take your work situation foe example, regardless of the type of work you do, you can enjoy your job if you think of all of positive benefits of your work. One point of positivity is the fact that, you have a job, with the unemployment rate raising on the world seen today it a blessing to have a job. When unforeseen events blind side you, force yourself to see that the defeat does not have to be a permanent one, nothing stays the same, things always change, and for those things that cannot be changed, simply except it and move beyond it. Force of will can help you do just that!

If you opt for the negative view of things, you have chosen, stress, health problems, lack of confidence, and unhappiness. Really the choice is yours, which will you choose negativity or will you opt for positive thinking?

Reference Sources: www.collinsdictionary.com: merriam-webster.com/dictionary/option: www.thefreedictionary.com/attitude: dictionary.reference.com/browse/optimism: http://dictionary.sensagent.com/force%20of%20will/en-en/: Awake! 9/07 page 26.