Gold Static
The positive thinker sees the invisible, feels the intangible, and achieves the impossible. — Winston Churchill
Ho ho, hee hee, ha ha – oh!
It’s well established that humans possess an intrinsic instinct for mimicry. Frown at someone, and they will most likely glower back. Smile and there’s a good chance you’ll inspire a reciprocal grin. Laugh and others will laugh with you.
A similar capability is at work in positive thinking. Our bodies respond instinctively when we consciously choose to introduce positive thoughts into our minds. It’s a way we gain power over negative events life throws our way and gives us the strength to face adversity. When the mind signals that all is well, a switch is turned on in the body that makes us more confident and content. It creates a positive feedback cycle that can be quite powerful. With low points viewed as normal fluctuations we all experience, we’re better able to focus on the positive, and help ourselves to move toward the goals we want to achieve.
Positive thinking is often used interchangeably with positive psychology, but it is not the same. Positive thinking is about maintaining optimism and looking at things from a positive point of view. It is about setting an intention and being open to possibilities.
Positive psychology studies the causes and effects of optimism and when it is good to use. Research findings show that positive people have a higher sense of meaningfulness in life and more resilience when faced with difficult events. They are more likely to exercise, avoid smoking, eat a healthy diet, and get quality sleep. They develop coping skills, are less depressed, healthier, and live longer.
Laughter can help get you there. No thinking is required…and it’s good for your health. See what happens when you fake a smile, then giggle. Laugh slowly gradually increasing the tempo and volume. I bet it tickles your funny bone. For a hearty laugh, spread your arms up and direct laughter to come from your heart. Bring your arms down and try it again. Try saying silly words and making gibberish sounds, laughing while doing it. Sing a funny karaoke song, dance like crazy while nude in your bedroom, or watch a funny movie.
Laughter relaxes the whole body, relieves physical tension and stress, and boosts the immune system. It triggers the release of endorphins that make you feel good.
Whether striving for a gold medal, aiming at a big promotion, volunteering for a non-profit, or working tirelessly to raise a happy family, staying on the bright side does more than just benefit you. It has a positive effect on those around you as well. As J.M, Barries wrote in Peter Pan, “Just think happy thoughts and you’ll fly.”
Try as much as possible to be wholly alive, with all your might, and when you laugh, laugh like hell. — William Saroyan
With that in mind—Did you hear about the mathematician who’s afraid of negative numbers? He’ll stop at nothing to avoid them.
And then there’s the woman in labor who suddenly shouted, “Shouldn’t! Wouldn’t! Couldn’t Didn’t, Can’t!” Her doctor responded calmly, “Don’t worry. Those are just contractions.”
Ever wonder why scientists don’t trust atoms? Because they make up everything.
We are living through hard times yet need to stay involved. It is more important than ever to maintain a positive attitude and not drop out. Hope is our future.
Have a good laugh on me !
References:
Cherry, K. (2022) What is Positive Thinking? Verywellmind. retrieved from https://www.verywellmind.com/what-is-positive-thinking-2794772#
Quotes about positive thinking:
Ripoli, Ramon (2017)Simulated Laughter Techniques for therapeutic Use in Mental Health. MedCrave. retrieved from https://medcraveonline.com/JPCPY/simulated-laughter-techniques-for-therapeutic-use-in-mental-health.html
website. (2022) Laughter is the Best Medicine. HelpGuide. retrieved from https://www.helpguide.org/articles/mental-health/laughter-is-the-best-medicine.htm
