Many years ago, my father gave me the international bestseller, “The Power of Positive Thinking.” This was when I was a moody teenager. He had high hopes that it was the perfect medicine for my temper and mood swings. He had no idea how to deal with my exaggerated responses to even the most insignificant problems on my road. I was older than my siblings, and the poor man was entirely unprepared for my typical teenage outbursts.
Needless to say, at age 13, I had no interest in the book, and I left it unread on my bookshelf. When I outgrew my teenage tantrums, my dad was convinced that the book he gave me changed me into a “normal person”. I never admitted to not reading the book.
Rediscovery of “The Power of Positive Thinking.”
Years later, the day arrived that I came across a dust-covered book about the power of positive thinking on my book shelf. I opened it and saw my dad’s note scribbled on the inside cover. His note said how much he loved me and his hopes that I would learn something from the author, Norman Vincent Peale. I started reading the book, and initially, there were parts that I could not understand it all. However, over the years, it has become a valued companion, only second to my Bible.
Positive thinking helped me to believe in myself
Whenever I had negative thoughts or felt inferior, my daddy’s gift was there to help me. It reminded me that negative thinking would lead to negative outcomes. I learned that the only way to change circumstances that caused negative thoughts was through positive thinking. Furthermore, it showed me that I need not accept circumstances that made me unhappy. By simply changing my thinking, I could bring about positive changes, and I heard my father say, “You got this.”
I found that believing in myself changed me into an optimistic, positive person. Not only did it change my outlook on life for the better, but also my friends’ attitudes. Once I banished all negative thoughts as soon as they appeared, I could face any problem that came my way.
Positive thinking taught me to live worry-free
Someone said worry is like a rocking chair, it gives you something to do, but it goes nowhere. It is a bad habit that is worth ridding yourself of. This is one habit that is not difficult to break. I now know that all I need is positive thinking. Merely believing that it is possible to break the habit is enough to put it behind you. Believe that a worry-free life is possible, and it will be.
Worrying is a significant cause of ill health. Along with psychological diseases, worrying can cause high blood pressure, arthritis, and it could even lower life expectancy.
Added benefits of positive thinking
My dad is no longer with us, but I can remember the satisfied and happy smile whenever he noticed how my positive way of thinking rubbed off on my children. Although they went through awkward teenage years, they were not a patch on me. I’m glad he never learned that I only read the book after adolescence. Nevertheless, it is undoubtedly the best gift ever.
