The Power of Positive Thinking

34 Replies

I am a huge Norman Vincent Peale fan.  Back in the olden days… I guess when I was about 23 or so (ca. early-ish ’90s)… I was in the process of “finding” myself, doing a little soul searching as a lot of us do around that time in our life, and I ran across Norman Vincent Peale’s book, “The Power of Positive Thinking.”  It changed my whole perspective on life.  I should say I changed my whole perspective on life after reading that book.

Dr. Peale states that if you practice positivity daily then it becomes a habit, second nature, a way of living.  And he was right.  I have become that annoying eternal optimist who refuses to acknowledge negatives or give them the power they so desire.  There’s always a bright side… there’s always a reason you are where you are… things happen for a reason, accept it and move on… it’s all in how you view things.  Some may consider this as being “naive,” “unrealistic,” “impractical,” “romantic,” whatever.  Call it what you like, but it’s how I choose to live my life, and I personally would much rather be around a person who looks at life as a good thing and a blessing as opposed to a person who wallows in self pity day in and day out.  Don’t get me wrong… we all have our downer days as that’s just life, but I’m pretty certain that 98% of my days are spent being happy and thankful for everything that I have and everything that I am.

That being said, I have been challenged by Kristy at Palatable Adventures to the 3-day quote challenge.  Thank you Kristy!  I get so much inspiration from quotes and sayings, even turning some into a run mantra when I’m out on the trail.

Day 1

quote NVP

Rules:  Post 1-3 quotes for 3 consecutive days, nominating 3 fellow bloggers to do the same.

For today, I’d like to nominate the following bloggers.  Please don’t feel obligated to participate… it’s just nice being able to give you a shout-out to let you know I appreciate you and your blog.

 My God, My Music, My Life

Living Out Loud

The World’s Biggest Fridge Magnet

Life is what you make it, friends, so make it a good one.

34 thoughts on “The Power of Positive Thinking”

  1. Chocolaterunsjudy

    Thank God you didn’t nominate me. 🙂

    I do agree, but I also live with someone who is VERY negative, and sometimes it just tends to rub off. Which is totally annoying.

    You do have to wonder at the choices you make sometimes . . .

    Liked by 2 people

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    1. mawil1

      I live with a negative person too- it’s so difficult sometimes! But just think what they would be like without us to give them perspective. ( yes! by co incidence I’m fresh out of an argument with my other half whom I accused of p** **g on my positivity and enthusiasm. Where did that come from he said ! Grrr!)

      Liked by 2 people

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      5. artisticsharon

        OMG Ladies I can totally relate! I’ve been married 30 years and he only looks at what’s wrong with everything. I always try to see the ‘bright side’ and he just doesn’t see it. Nice to know I’m not alone 😉

        Liked by 2 people

      6. mawil1

        I suppose they rein us in and stop us chasing after really mad ideas. We’d be lost (or at least very poor jobless and homeless!) without them!

        Liked by 1 person

      8. mawil1

        Yes, they don’t realise that they are doing it. I know that sometimes he has to get his anxieties off his chest but we have to find a balance!

        Liked by 2 people

    2. neveradullbling Post author

      I totally had you in mind to nominate, but I know you follow a particular pattern with your blog… 😀
      I feel very blessed that James is a pretty positive person himself, and while we both have our off days, we seem to pull each other through most negativity the other is feeling… even if it’s with a gentle “get over it” reminder.

      Liked by 1 person

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      1. Chocolaterunsjudy

        Get over it reminders don’t go down well with Mr. Judy. I’m somewhat flexible with what I write with, but because of all the travel this month a lot of posts were written quite far in advance.

        Liked by 1 person

  2. honestme363

    It’s so true. It took me a long time to change my thought processes, but I am grateful I did. At least now I can recognize the negativity for what it is, just a thought I have to stop in its tracks. Lovely quote Paula.

    Liked by 2 people

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  3. spearfruit

    Great quote Paula, and I do appreciate this post very much and the way you are living your life. I was once a very negative person and made a change also. Now I still have my days (as you know), but strive to be better. Happy day to you! 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

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  5. creativecritters77

    This post really hits home for me. When I was younger (teens and early 20’s) I was in a very negative space. At the time I didn’t realize that it had more to do with outside circumstances than who I truly was inside (I was essentially living in hell, but I won’t go into details). Unfortunately I married a man who was incredibly negative and hateful, thinking that we were alike. As I got older and began to realize not only who I was, but who I WANTED to be I came to see that I was actually a positive and happy person, and I could CHOOSE to see the positive in life and be happy. My husband tried to drag me down into his pit of negativity, putting a nasty spin on everything. I finally divorced him because he was destroying my soul- there was no happiness in that marriage. Now I’m with someone who is very positive and happy, and we bring out the best in each other, as it should be. Sure we still have days when things get us down, but on the whole our lives are filled with love and joy. And being able to share our joy with each other and with other people just multiplies that joy. It’s always refreshing to find other positive people 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply ↓
    1. neveradullbling Post author

      Oh absolutely!! Good job you for getting rid of the soul sucker!! I’m so glad that you found the happiness you deserve!! People have the power to change their misery into something great… and I’m so happy you realized it before it was too late!!

      Liked by 1 person

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      1. creativecritters77

        I only wish it hadn’t taken me 16 years to realize that he was never going to change and was only getting worse. But I did come out of it all as a very strong woman 😉 And I’m better able to appreciate just how good life can be! 🙂

        Liked by 1 person

  7. Worlds Biggest Fridge Magnet

    Thank you so much for the nomination and thank you even more for the shout out. At present I barely have enough hours in the day to manage my affairs and keep the blog alive so with that in mind I think I shall pass but please do always consider me once things have calmed a little 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply ↓

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