Journals for Positive Change

Lovelier Thoughts, My Dear!

Does anyone remember the scene in Peter Pan where Peter teaches the children how to fly?  All it took was a dash of Tinkerbell’s fairy dust and some “lovely thoughts.”  As each child let go of skepticism and embraced the the best thing they could possibly imagine, they slowly rose into flight.

That may have been one of my earliest messages about the power of positive believing.  I admit I had a bit of a let-down though, when I stood on top of the TV, thinking positively brilliant and lovely thoughts… but lift-off never occurred.  I always blamed that failure-to-launch on lack of proper fairy dust.

So, while believing I could fly never did get me airborne, it nevertheless got me to try.  I believed I could do it, so I gave it a go.  No fear of failure kept me from blasting Mary Martin on the record player, pushing a chair up to the mammoth black-and-white TV console, climbing aboard, flapping my arms and singing “I’m Flying” at the top of my lungs. 

Looking back, I don’t remember being disappointed in the outcome.  I didn’t really have an investment in the outcome; I was more interested in the experience.  What I do remember was being lost in the moment… of imagining I was soaring along with Peter and Wendy and feeling as joyous and free as trusting young children can.

Many of us lose that against-all-odds ability to believe in ourselves.  That’s the belief that fuels our passions and forges dreams.  It is so often replaced by fear of failure, a demon that erodes self-confidence and convinces us we shouldn’t even try.   Every missed opportunity to “give it a go” takes us farther away from being the person we dream about being.

Where are you along that continuum?   Are you pursuing your dreams today?  Is your belief in yourself strong and thriving? Or has fear of failure crept in and prevented you from daring to try something new and exciting?

Here’s a Positive Change strategy:  Take a moment to recapture your own early memories of I-can-do-anything belief.  Is there a defining experience you can re-live or share with someone else?  Dig deep and really go for it!  Get back in touch with childhood enchantment and optimism and see if you can re-ignite your belief in yourself and become inspired to take a step closer to achieving your dreams today.

Yours in Positive Change,

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Can’t I Just Watch the Video?

Since creating Journals for Positive Change, I’ve attended quite a few events centered around health and spiritual awareness.  I’m somewhat aghast at the number of people who are promoting seemingly “instant” paths to self-transformation.

 While I believe miracles happen all around us on a daily basis, I don’t believe there is a miraculous shortcut for effective and lasting positive behavior changes.

I’ve certainly put time into looking for an “easier, softer way” and my conclusion is that enduring health and happiness come from actually being the person you really want to be; and that happens by doing the things you really need to do.  In a word:  ACTION.  In two words:  DO IT.  In three:  DO IT NOW!

In my experience, improving my health means I have to make healthier choices on a daily basis.  I can’t just sit around and think about those choices, I have to execute them.  No genies, no magicians, no poofs.

The achievement is in the execution.  The peace and satisfaction is in the achievement, in feeling good because I’m doing the right things.  This applies to all areas of personal wellness — emotional and spiritual as well.  By the way, journaling is one of the best tools I’ve found for staying motivated and engaged in “right” action.

Still, I’m intrigued.  My inner child, the one who still believes in fairy godmothers and who demands instant gratification, is wondering:  Is there a magic potion out there for personal growth?  Has anyone found one that works and keeps on working?  Please share your thoughts… inquiring minds want to know!

Yours in Positive Change,

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Stamped & Self-Addressed

Have you ever really studied your self-talk?  Take a moment to reflect on your inner dialogue.  What tone of voice do you use with yourself?  What kinds of terms?  Many of us don’t speak kindly to ourselves.

When you make a mistake are you quick to express self-blame and disapproval?  Do you tell yourself how stupid you are or wonder how you could have made such an idiotic decision?  Negative self-talk can be damaging and defeating.  Over time it can set you up for repeated failures.

You may not even be aware of your negative self-talk because it can be sneaky and subtle.  Your lightning-quick mind may go so fast you don’t actually hear the words it is using, but you can definitely feel the negativity.  That underlying bad feeling can squelch positive progress in a heartbeat.

Your inner voice can be your biggest cheerleader!   Today, make a commitment to speak to yourself in the way you would speak to a dear, close friend.  Use encouraging terms and a gentle tone of voice.  Show yourself the patience and tolerance you show others. Consider adopting a friendly and loving nickname for yourself and develop the habit of using it.  No one will hear but you!  The goal is to radiate positive energy from the inside out.

You’ll be surprised at how improving your self-talk can brighten your perspective and help you meet the challenges of the day serenely and successfully.

Yours in Positive Change,

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