I’ve noticed lately how easy it’s become to think and speak in a negative way. It feels like people are frustrated and struggling to focus on the good things in life—like we’re all stuck in the middle of the current crisis of the day and can’t shake it off. Negativity is contagious. When one person goes dark, it often drags others’ energy down. But we do have a choice: we can press the thought elevator down, or we can press it up.
There are opportunities every day to shift from negative to positive thoughts. If we start our day by being grateful for what we have, we instantly shift away from negativity. We can be grateful for safety, a cup of coffee, a bed to sleep in, and a roof over our heads. It’s so easy to take our freedoms for granted, and remembering to be grateful is always a lift.
When we hear negative news, we can either change the channel or focus on all the good news that goes on that we don’t hear much about. It might even be good news in our personal lives, even if there are problems elsewhere in the world. If we remember that we are powerless over most external events and situations, and channel our energy into personal positivity, we are less susceptible to anxiety and depression about the worldwide crises.
Every negative thought can be reframed. For example, I recently heard someone say that artificial intelligence and technology are ruining everything. While it might feel that way, it’s not necessarily true. All technology – like anything else – can be used for good or harm. If we use it for good, it can serve mankind endlessly. Benefits of advanced technology include diagnosing diseases before symptoms appear, choosing the best medicines on an individual basis, accelerating research, fact-checking, and improving skills. We can resist progress or embrace it.
There is a direct correlation between our thoughts and our feelings. If we think negatively, we feel fearful and depressed. If we reframe those thoughts positively, we feel better. Norman Vincent Peale said, “Thoughts are things,” and you can manifest what you think, for your benefit or your detriment. Powerful.
So, I ask you this: How do you want to feel today? If the answer is “good, happy, or satisfied,” be mindful of your thoughts, reframe them from negative to positive, and as the day progresses, you will notice two things. First, whether you are negative. And second, how different you will feel if you reframe those thoughts into positive messages.
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Donna Marks is an educator, licensed psychotherapist, and addictions counselor in Palm Beach, Florida. She has worked with over 6,000 clients. Donna’s struggle with addiction brought her to a worldwide search for healing. She became licensed as a Mental Health Counselor in 1987. In 1989, she earned a Doctorate Degree in Adult Education, then became Certified in Addictions, Gestalt Therapy, Psychoanalysis, Hypnosis, and Sex Therapy. Donna developed an award-winning addiction training program at Palm Beach Community College. She co-owns an outpatient treatment program and serves as a consultant to treatment centers. For 36 years, she has taught A Course in Miracles.
Donna is the author of three books: the multi-award-winning title Exit the Maze: One Addiction, One Cause, One Cure, and Learn, Grow, Forgive: A Path to Spiritual Success, The Healing Moment: Seven Paths to Turn Messes into Miracles of Love, and her latest fiction, Fortis & Sapiente – A Tale of Two Lovers Who Successfully Navigate the Murky Waters of Love. Donna is a public speaker and has shared her methods with millions of listeners on podcasts and radio shows.
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