Daily Inspiration 12-28-18

"There is no physician like cheerful thought 

for dissipating the ills of the body; 

there is no comforter to compare with goodwill 

for dispersing the shadows of grief and sorrow.

To live continually in thoughts of ill-will, 

cynicism, suspicion, and envy, 

is to be confined in a self-made prison hole.

But to think well of all, to be cheerful with all, 

to patiently learn to find the good in all--

such unselfish thoughts are the very portals of heaven; 

and to dwell day by day 

in thoughts of peace toward every creature 

will bring abounding peace to their possessor."

-- James Allen,
As A Man Thinketh

[Classic post from 12-12-14]

Perhaps you know someone who always seems to have something going wrong with their body. They have this symptom and that disease and take several types of pills to keep things in control. They complain of feeling tired, sore, worn out, overworked, stressed, and persecuted. And, I will bet that you rarely hear a cheerful word from them.

They love the drama, the excuse that the "reality" of illness (because a "doctor" prescribed something, or acknowledged a name for their condition) makes it legitimate to complain because they have officially diagnosed symptoms, perhaps with statements like it is hereditary and such. That takes the blame clearly away from themselves they think, but it is a self-made prison. Almost anyone who is really watching and listening can see that because it is easy to see it in others.

Now, think about someone who is almost always cheerful, upbeat, complimentary, excited, enthusiastic, or generally grateful and happy. They complain about little or nothing and their health shows it with a glow that is unmistakable.

Is the difference genetics? It is the choice of thought. I know it extremely well because I changed mine and it changed me.

In today's world, there are so many things each and every day that could get you down if you would let it and many do. Those same things can also give one a grateful attitude, a cheerful disposition, or even joy. The things did not change, but only the thoughts about the things. We have absolute control over but one thing: thought.

I underlined one sentence in the quote above: "to patiently learn to find the good in all. . ." because it is a powerful tool to lead one toward being cheerful and happy. It isn't easy necessarily, but it is very doable. I now strive to be thankful for and find the good in every person, situation and thing. I can assure you that some are a serious challenge to my commitment, and some take longer, but I am getting there step by step. It takes practice. You don't just wake up one morning and find yourself there. You decide to be there and accept the challenges with the easy. The good news is more are easy and less are challenges as time goes forward!

Bob Proctor taught me a good way to help this along. He said, "React? Respond!" If you allow yourself to react to people, things, and events, you will be challenged often. If you respond instead, you have control. When I was a kid, my mom used to tell me to count to 10. Some take more than 10, but that strategy works too.

All in all, the best way is to spread joy yourself. It catches people off guard and is a powerful strategy for you as well. It is delightfully contagious!


Choose Yourself A Perfect Day!

Spread some joy today--by spreading those thoughts that feel good. It's a safe bet they will feel good to others too.