2 illustrated silhouettes of a human head; 1 in gray with a raincloud above it and the other in yellow with a sunshine above it

What are you creating? What do you choose to observe? What thoughts do you choose? What identity do you don? What mood, what emotions, what actions?

You can say you simply observe reality and respond naturally; that your emotions are simply normal, human responses to the world around you, to the situations you find yourself in.

Au contraire! Two people stroll along, one says ‘How nice that it is sunny’, the other replies ‘I just wish it weren’t so hot.’ The reality is that it is both sunny and hot but two people choose to experience the same reality differently or at least respond differently. A small difference you might say? Perhaps but over a lifetime, the habit of looking for the good, the positive, the upside versus looking for the negative and the bad will add up to two very different lives. One will see opportunities and act on them, the other is much less likely to notice them, much less act on them.

So do yourself a favor, walk on the sunny side of the street and look for the good in everything and everyone; you’ll be amazed how often when you appeal to the nobler motive, folks respond in kind.

Closing Quotes:

“Once you realize the power of your thoughts, you will never think another negative thought again.” – Peace Pilgrim, 1908-1981

“There is little difference in people, but that little difference makes a big difference. The little difference is attitude. The big difference is whether it is positive or negative.” – W. Clement Stone. 1902-2002

“Constantly scanning the world for the negative comes with a great cost. It undercuts our creativity, raises our stress levels, and lowers our motivation and ability to accomplish goals.” – Shawn Achor, The Happiness Advantage

“Control your thoughts and you control your circumstance. What we continually think about eventually will manifest in our lives. The greater the prevalence of positive thoughts, the more likely you are to receive a positive outcome.” – Robert Collier, 1885-1950

As always, I share what I most want and need to learn. – Nathan S. Collier