Chinkee Tan
You didn’t get the job, so you already think you’re a loser?
You see someone whispering in the corner, so you already think they are gossiping about you?
Your business didn’t earn today, so you already think you are going to go bankrupt?
You didn’t finish your education, so you already think you don’t have a future?
You got busted, so you already think it’s the end of the world?
Why is it automatic for many of us to think and react negatively? We exert no effort when it comes to negative thoughts. When something unpleasant happens to us we are quick to see the bad side, focusing on our dismay, our hurt, the unpleasant, the mistake and what we don’t have.
We always fail to see and look at the brighter side; that in everything that happens in our lives, there’s a purpose, there’s a reason, whether it’s good or bad.
So why are we too quick to think of the negative than the positive? What can we do so that we are not easily drawn to think of the negative?
Simple. Here are some of the things you can do:
FEED YOUR MIND WITH POSITIVE THOUGHTS
Train yourself to think of the positive. Feed your mind with the good things. Get rid of the negative things in your mind and do not allow any negative thoughts to linger.
Let’s say you and your spouse are having marital problems right now, then you should stop watching TV shows that portray unfaithfulness and extramarital affairs because this will only trigger negative line of thoughts and feelings like bitterness, hatred and revenge.
If you are hot-tempered, avoid watching heavy action movies. Why not just watch the “Kalyeserye”! Kidding aside, I know you’re getting my point. Carefully choose the things you read, watch, listen to and believe in.
SURROUND YOURSELF WITH POSITIVE PEOPLE
When you surround yourself with people who constantly complain, swear, gossip, lie, are always angry or bitter; then chances are you will end up like them. The negativity will surely rub off on you, even if you are someone with a positive disposition in life. Be wise in choosing whom you surround yourself with because these are the people who will have an influence on your life.
GUARD YOUR HEART
The Bible says, “Guard your heart for it is the wellspring of life.” From the heart comes what we want in life. So, what is the content of your heart? Sometimes, a person with a negative outlook in life nurtures unresolved issues in their heart. Perhaps they have been hurt in the past, unfairly treated, or betrayed. However, the past is past. There is nothing more that we can do about it because what is done is done. But we can begin to focus on the present and plan for our future.
What is important is the ‘now’. We should check our hearts and guard it from any negative feelings. A clean, positive and joyful heart produces clean, positive and happy thoughts.
THINK. REFLECT. APPLY
Are you a negative thinker?
What are the kinds of people that surround you?
What is the condition of your heart?
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