| The Power of a Positive Attitude |
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‘Two men looked out from prison bars one saw mud the other saw stars’. (Source unknown)
Your prospects for good health and long life are remarkably dependent upon mental habits learned in childhood, and a very influential mental habit is found in your attitude to life and its trials. Your attitude (either positive or negative) can cause emotional reactions which strongly affect your immune system, circulatory system, your relationships, and even your risk of accidents.
Your attitudes are based on the beliefs, values and assumptions you hold, and are shown through your behaviour. In fact attitudes drive behaviour. Having a positive attitude means that you focus on the good things in life and avoiding dwelling on the negative. It helps people cope with life and limits ‘thinking’ that is destructive.
Almost always, you have a choice as to what attitude to adopt. There is nothing in most situations that dictates you must act one way or another. If you feel angry about something that happens, for instance, that's how you choose to feel. Nothing in the event itself makes it absolutely necessary for you to feel that way. It is your choice and since you do have a choice most of the time, you'll be better off if you choose to react in a positive rather than a negative way.
If you are to help your child develop a positive attitude then model it. Here are some hints:
· Being positive is a choice. Choose it now.
· Learn to control ‘the voices’ that may limit your potential. If you think you can achieve most likely you will. If you think you can’t most likely you won’t.
· Avoid saying ‘I can’t’ – it makes a person feel inadequate. Better to say ‘If I had ……I could………
· Enjoy the present. It’s all you have or are able to control. The past is gone. The future is unknown.
· Focus on solutions – don’t dwell on mistakes.
· Choose to smile and laugh – it has a contagious effect.
· Look For The Valuable Lesson – what have I learnt, how can I make things better next time
· Language is a valuable tool – Use it wisely eg. ‘I’m bored’ could become ‘I have more time to do other things’
Aspects adapted from: Developing a Positive Attitude TheCuteKid.com
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