Does Positive Thinking Really Work?

I admit that for all my belief in the power of positive thinking I have been lately on that 'negative slide' ride. I have allowed some pesky negative thoughts to intrude on my day. For someone who has prided herself in making lemonade out of lemons this is not a good ride to take.

I was watching the "Ellen" show this morning and she had Dr. Wayne Dyer on. He was promoting a new book and he was saying what I've believed most of my life, that our thoughts lead us to where we go, I'm paraphrasing a lot here. It got me to thinking about why I've been a bit negative lately and how to break the cycle.

I have allowed myself to be distracted by setbacks. I took my eye off the Big Picture. For example...my car. Now I've been in Colorado almost 5 weeks having a new engine put in my car by my son-in-law. That he is willing and able to do this for me makes me overwhelmed and grateful. But it also is costing far more than I anticipated. My job search in Nevada where I live has been put on hold until I can get back home. There is only so much job searching you can do on the Internet. What I've not concentrated on is the fact that when the car is done not only will it have a new engine but a refurbished transmission as well as lots of other new parts, in essence I will have a brand new '99 Ford Escort. That costs money and time, and is a long term investment, well worth the 5 or 6 weeks it takes and the cost. The Big Picture.

Being out of work for so long also gives me the time to narrow my thoughts into what do I really want to do with the rest of my life. This month I'm having one of those Big Birthdays. You know, the kind you don't want to celebrate much. I've realized that the attitude I've had about work has limited the way I've approached work. I've settled for what I thought was only age appropriate jobs and in the meantime have not used my potential to go for what I really want. Now is the time to change my tactics and reach.

Not everything is within our control but how we react always is. My job right now is to look past the setbacks and see the opportunities. I have had weeks to spend with family and enjoy the time with them in Colorado, a real treat for me. I will have a brand new rebuilt car when all is done that should last another 100,000 miles. I have a much clearer picture of what I want to do with the rest of my employment career. And I will have reaffirmed that I truly do believe that positive thinking will carry the day, even with a detour or two along the way.

Thanks for listening,
Lindy