×

What are you thankful for this holiday season?

What are you thankful for? You may want or need to think on this for a little while. There are so many negatives “out there” that we may tend to be distracted from the good things in life and not “count our blessings.”

Positive-thinking affects a person’s health in good ways. Negative-thinking, the polar opposite, affects health negatively. Instead of thinking about the worst that could happen think about the good things that can happen. While something may ruin a minute of your day, remember that there are 1,439 more minutes for lots of good things to happen.

What kind of self-talk do you have going on, those unspoken things that constantly swirl through the gray matter of your brain … I really messed up, now everyone will think I’m stupid and can’t get anything right … I am fat and the ugliest person who was ever born … I have nothing to say that anyone really wants to hear … I wish I was smart but I’m not.

But think of the polar opposite of negativity: Positivity. (Everything has a polar opposite.)  I’m glad I went and raked the leaves for Grandma. She really appreciated it. She thanked me and I feel good because I could do something for her … When I spoke up at the meeting the others agreed with me and even the ones who didn’t agree encouraged me so I feel good about participating in the discussion and working together to find a solution … I didn’t think I had a green thumb but my garden is beautiful and producing … I didn’t think I could paint a picture but I surprised myself and can hardly wait to do it again.

Do you know that positive-thinking can help you live longer? In Columbiana County there are people nearing age 90 who still bowl a couple of times a week, play bingo, work and volunteer, and enjoy traveling around the country and the world. They are socially involved and wonderful examples of living life to the fullest.

Positive thinking reduces stress, depression and risk of death by cardiovascular disease, according to the Mayo Clinic. Positive thinkers are better able to land on their feet and get through the difficulties that life throws at them. It’s said that positive thinkers have fewer colds. Are you a positive thinker or a negative thinker?

Which holds your attention longer, the bad things that happen in your life or the good things?

Do you blame yourself when something goes wrong, make it personal, or do you shake it off and move on because things happen sometimes and maybe it’s just the universe at work?

Do you see things as either good or bad, that you are either perfect or a complete failure?

The Mayo Clinic recommends ways you can develop positive thinking for your good health and well being. When you realize you are being negative, stop. Turn your thoughts and words in a more positive direction. Look for the humor because we all like to be around people who like to laugh, who appreciate the funny side of life. Don’t forget that exercise and nutrition affect our moods and reduce stress. Practice self-talk, making it positive. I don’t think I can do this but I have nothing to lose by trying.

This is Thanksgiving week. Despite all of the negative things around us, there are a lot of things to be thankful for. Look for the silver lining in those proverbial clouds. Take a new look at the people around you whom you wouldn’t want to live without and, appreciate them. If you have never suffered an addiction, be thankful of that. If you live in recovery, be thankful for the programs and people who have assisted you to get clean and attain recovery. If you are someone struggling with addiction be thankful that you can make a phone call to get help in finding your way to recovery. Be thankful for your home that provides for your basic needs and the people you love and who love you.

Addiction has no address, but Family Recovery Center does. For more information about the education, prevention and treatment programs for substance abuse and related behavioral issues, contact the agency at 964 N. Market St., Lisbon; phone, 330-424-1468; or e-mail, info@familyrecovery.org.

NEWSLETTER

Today's breaking news and more in your inbox

I'm interested in (please check all that apply)
Are you a paying subscriber to the newspaper? *
   

COMMENTS

[vivafbcomment]

Starting at $4.39/week.

Subscribe Today