Positive Thinking

“An individual has a healthy personality to the exact degree to which they have the propensity to look for the good in every situation.” – Emerson

“If you love, you’re considered naïve. If happy, you’re considered frivolous and simple. If trusting, you’re considered a fool.” ~ Leo Buscaglia

Hello, my name is Mark Nolan and I’m the guy writing this blog. I’m also someone who, as Leo Buscaglia described, is probably considered by many to be a naïve, frivolous and simple fool. (It says so on my resume.)

And yet as Emerson noted, I have a healthy personality because I look for the good in every situation. What can I say, it works for me. I’m a happy and successful guy with a lot of love, joy, prosperity and freedom in my life… in spite of the many challenges the world has had to offer. I didn’t get to this point by having a negative attitude, believe me. It was just the opposite. I do take a very clear look at reality, but I also seek out the good parts of reality. It is not a case of “ignorance is bliss,” just the opposite. It is a form of higher awareness.

Our thoughts and attitude are the only things that we have complete control over in this wild world. This is our greatest power, if we use it, but many people don’t.

As Dr. Viktor Frankl wrote in Man’s Search for Meaning:

“Everything can be taken from a man but one thing; the last of human freedoms-to choose one’s attitude in any given set of circumstances, to choose one’s own way.”

The choice is yours. And it really is a choice. You can choose how you think and act. That is one of the main concepts that can help us enjoy life, if we will understand and apply it. Is it easy? No it is not easy. But the power is always there inside of you, no one can take it away.

Doctor Frankl learned about this power to choose, as he struggled to stay alive and maintain his sanity in the concentration camps of WWII. We as human beings have the freedom and power to choose our thoughts and our attitudes. If he could choose his attitude under those extreme life or death circumstances, you and I can certainly make an effort choose our attitude in our day-to-day lives too. When negative thoughts creep into my mind, I remember Dr. Frankl and remind myself that I have an easy life compared to his.

Even if sometimes things can go wrong in life, and our journey may temporarily seem like a shipwreck, we can still, as Voltaire said, “sing in the lifeboats.” We can choose our attitude in our hearts and minds, in spite of outer circumstances.

If things ever seem to be going off course in my own life, which they sometimes do because I make my share of mistakes, I do a reality check and take inventory. When I do, I always find that I need to pay closer attention to my choices and to my thinking and my attitude.

“I was going to try positive thinking once, but then I figured ah what the hell’s the use.”

Happiness comes from the inside out, and the goal is to consciously choose to focus on, enjoy and be grateful for the simple pleasures that come from the genuine good things in life, such as love, laughter and learning (the “three L’s” as I like to call them).

Some time ago I asked myself how I could have less stress and more joy in life on a consistent, day-to-day basis, rather than hoping to find it on weekends, special occasions or “someday.” I began to read various teachings, and to pay conscious attention to the simple pleasures and happy moments of my daily life, hoping to awaken my mind to an better attitude of gratitude. Through repeated study and application of some key concepts, I began to understand and observe an interesting cause and effect at work in the world.

“The source of a true smile is an awakened mind.”

- Thich Nhat Hanhbegan

The powerful progress I began to make in my own happiness and life journey was very rewarding. I felt a new joy and purpose and fulfillment in many areas; mental, physical, spiritual, love relationships, friendships, health, financial and more. It was as if I had been asleep at the wheel of my ship of life, and going around in circles. Now I was wide-awake, steering my ship with a steady hand.

It reminded me of these words James Allen wrote in As a Man Thinketh, “Tempest-tossed souls, wherever you may be, under whatsoever conditions you may live, know this-in the ocean of life the isles of Blessedness are smiling, and the sunny shore of your ideal awaits your coming. Keep your hand firmly upon the helm of thought. In the ship of your soul reclines the commanding Master; He does but sleep; wake him. Self-control is strength; right thought is mastery, calmness is power. Say unto your heart, “Peace, be still.”

It is not easy to take full responsibility for your own life and happiness; and that is why so few people do. It is much more common to act like a victim and blame the world, circumstances and other people. However when we do that we give away our personal power. The good news is, anyone can take charge of their state of mind at any time, anywhere in the world, if they consciously choose to do so.

The timeless message in Dr. Frankl’s book, “to choose one’s attitude in any given set of circumstances,” has empowered millions of people around the world, in fact there are 10 million copies in print, in twenty-four languages. The concept he explained so eloquently is even more significant today than ever. Indeed, the beauty of this empowering wisdom is how it bridges all peoples, nations, and religions with its universal truth and inspiration.

For example, the words of the Dalai Lama reflect this very same message:

“The basic thing that everyone wants is happiness; no one wants suffering. And happiness mainly comes from our own attitude, rather than from external factors. If your own mental attitude is correct, even if you remain in a hostile atmosphere, you feel happy.” – The Dalai Lama

And the oft-persecuted apostle Paul wrote that he had “… learned in whatever state I am, to be content” (Phil. 4:11).

This truth seems to be universal, we can consciously choose our thoughts and our attitude, and it will have a greater effect upon our happiness and success in life than any other factor.

So it seems that having a positive attitude might be the first step to having more success and more joy in life.

Yes it takes daily practice to form the habit… but it costs nothing to try, and the potential rewards are well worth the effort.

Deep in your soul, you know who you really are and what you really want out of your life.

As Steve Jobs said, “Your time is limited, so don’t waste it living someone else’s life. Don’t be trapped by dogma – which is living with the results of other people’s thinking. Don’t let the noise of other’s opinions drown out your own inner voice. And most important, have the courage to follow your heart and intuition. They somehow already know what you truly want to become.”

It takes both courage and encouragement to be yourself and follow your personal dreams, when it seems like the whole world is telling you to become what they want you to be. If you bring the courage, I’ll try to offer you some kind words of encouragement here. I believe in you, and I am cheering for you.

And so it is that I am very pleased to be able to publish further ideas here about how to use our power to choose our thoughts and our attitude, to rise above self-limiting beliefs, and to consciously enjoy the moments of our lives. Hopefully these words may be a source of comfort, encouragement and inspiration to you, and prove useful in your own journey of learning and self-growth. As Pearl Buck advised us, “Growth itself contains the germ of happiness.” The human spirit wants to learn and grow and live with purpose.

Warm wishes to you on the journey; this enjoyable journey of discovery, with conscious thoughts and a positive attitude acting as your guide. May you find truth and learn the limitless power of your mind, discover your purpose in life and the important contribution you can make on this earth as an individual, and may you sail your ship in the calm ocean of truth to the islands of good health, prosperity, love, happiness and fulfillment.

Enjoy…

Mark Nolan