BE ‘GLAD’ AND DREAM BIG!

Proponents of the Abundant life, are one in the conviction that a necessary component of the Abundant mindset is a Positive Focus. Variously described by some philosophers of thought, I believe that at its basis, what is needed is a focus on what is positive or good, rather than on what is seen as ‘bad’ or negative in the situations in and around us. It is playing Pollyanna’s “Glad” game in earnest!

So. simply put, “Positive Focus”, determines to see these through lens that seek to see the positive possibilities in any situation rather than the negative, no matter how obvious it may be. It is a lens that leads to gratitude, rather than a complaining attitude and the taking of a position that ‘nothing is right with the world,’… and being satisfied with defeat rather than a determination to succeed!

I was reading just this morning, the Biblical story and commentary of the story told in Luke 24, the early mourners who went to visit Jesus’ tomb, and found it empty. They saw loss…emptiness; instead of the greatest news the world would ever hear… the news of Resurrection and Salvation. Their mindset was of a Jesus who was not present and apparently ‘lost’ to them. Instead they were urged to see His absence as a promise fulfilled, as they were later reminded, … “He is not here… for He has risen!” …. a much more positive outlook and outcome! Instead of ‘emptiness’, they came to see instead seen the joy of a promise fulfilled!

It is all about the lens with which we see life.

Being practiced in abundant thinking is in large part, an attitude”; and an attitude is something that is within everyone’s control. It can be acquired through focused effort to see things in a particular way.

As a child, for instance, although in terms of financial status, many of the people with whom I was familiar were low income, but they did not see themselves as ‘poor’. They had food to eat, a roof over their heads, and they happily shared what they had with others that did not. Said frequently today by some of those persons who are seniors today, are the oft-mentioned observation: “We were poor then, but we did not know it! We were happy with what we had”. The pervasive thought was one of gratitude for what they had, and a focus on what made them and others ‘happy’.

The lesson seems to be, that people may be economically poor, but are not bound by that poverty in the way in which they see life. On the other hand, there are persons who have an abundance of monetary riches, but still feel ‘poor’.

This further supports the contention more than anything else, that being ‘abundant’ describes a particular or individual vision of life.

Without a doubt, it is recognised, that when physical needs (food and shelter) are scarce, or social situations enhance a feeling of low esteem, loneliness and even depression, that the challenge to have a positive focus in all situations is great. Life’s challenges can offer setbacks even to those who would like to adopt an abundance attitude. ‘Positivity’ has to be pursued purposefully if the abundance mind-set is to be realized.

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‘POSITIVITY’

What is ‘positivity? As a word, it is generally translated to mean: “the practice of being or tendency to be positive or optimistic in attitude.” its frequency of use as a word has increased dramatically in recent decades, recording nearly nil use in the 1800s to now maximum use in the 2000s. It describes a determination to cultivate positive thinking consciously and purposely not as a kind of mindless mantra, but as a belief in, and determination that one can achieve anything, or overcome life’s challenges if one consciously looks for the positive possibilities that exist in every situation.

Positive thinking will inevitably lead to positive results but action must be taken to achieve the positive outcome desired. Chanting slogans and claiming victory that has not been worked for, will not necessarily cause desires to be realized. It takes work, and a honing of the characteristics that describe a predominantly positive attitude. Remembering that we as individuals are in control of our attitudes, the word “POSITIVITY’, may itself be used as an acronym to describe a ten-point list of behaviours aimed at acquiring an ‘abundance mind-set’ using the principles of positive thinking.

Prepare and plan your activities for each day. This may include regular early morning prayer and meditation and a determination to look for the positive in you and in the day ahead. As you meditate, identify and list the things for which you are grateful. Some people use what is called a daily Gratitude Journal. What is important, is to regularly identify things to be grateful for each day and write them down. This can be especially effective when used to direct your plans and thinking for the day. Try to identify at least three things for which you are grateful, or ‘glad’ about. Plan your day; the clothes to be worn, (these may be decided on the night beforehand), the activities to be carried out, (when and where), and the issues to be addressed. WRITE THEM DOWN IF NECESSARY.

Observe strict attention to the words that you use, avoiding negative words and expressions. The words you regularly use ultimately have impact on how you think. Avoid describing yourself negatively in comparison to or in relationship to others. Consider the glass ‘half-full’ instead of half empty. Use positive words to describe your status and your actions. To this you must know your gifts, assets and talents, and give focus on the benefits they enable you to offer others or your environmental spaces of employment and socialization.

Seek out positive people as your companions, and include among them if possible a mentor, who ascribes to the characteristics of an abundance mind-set. Avoid negative people or people characterised by a ‘scarcity mind-set’, Surround yourself with those who motivate a positive focus.

Inject a smile and or laughter in your daily conversation. Try to make others happy. Laughter is infectious. If you are genuinely happy and smiling, chances are that you are more likely to bring happiness to others and that they will want to have you in their company.

Transpose ‘problems’ into ‘challenges’, which can be overcome or which describe situations which have a solution. Remember that even seeming experienced failures, when approached and are viewed appropriately, may ultimately turn out to be preparations for future success!

Insist on the institution of a healthy habits of eating, exercise and regular sleeping times. Give your body the maximum opportunity of obtaining maximum stamina and the capability to perform to its highest level.

View disappointments and opposition and even actions which may seem at first glance to be spiteful and intended to hurt you, as situations that have the potential for your own personal growth and development. Actively look for the opportunities the situations may present, instead of the possible negative impact that may have been intended.

Inculcate, positive thoughts by carefully choosing what you read, and watch for entertainment. Although observing a range of situations as in a movie or your reading, is necessary for your general education, avoid ‘binge watching’ or reading books, magazines, or stories of situations that only emphasise the negative side of human behaviour, and encourage bitterness and mistrust in you as an individual.

Trust your instincts. If your intellect is being constantly fed by positive thoughts and information, it is likely that you will inevitably be guided by the moral compass and guide that is instilled in us all, as individuals. Your inner, ‘still small voice’, is more likely to be awake and functional.

Say ‘yes’ to opportunities and challenges to serve or help others who are less fortunate than you are. Say ‘yes’ too, to using all your talents and gifts, professional and otherwise, not only to enhance your own wellbeing, but wherever possible the well-being of others. Take pleasure in helping others to grow and improve their own situation. Given with the right spirit, you too will inevitably grow and develop even more! Radiate love and helpfulness!

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Remember, persons with an abundance mind-set, wish the same abundance for others, that they themselves are experiencing!

‘POSITIVITY!’ A positive focus, that leads to an ‘abundance mind-set’, and dreaming ABUNDANTLY!