AfriPulse
On September 17, 2025, 12:01 PM
September 13th is Positive Thinking Day. While we don’t need a day to recognize the importance and value that positivity can have in our lives, reminders can be helpful.
We are all human, and it’s not easy to be positive all the time, especially when you are challenged by an obstacle. We have to accept that life can be difficult and find ways to not only survive, but thrive. Practicing your positivity skills can help you build a great life.
Based on my personal and professional experiences as a physician and researcher, here are four ways to strengthen your positive thinking:
1. Have Hope That Things Will Work Out
Remember that when you believe, you don’t think about the how. The how uses your logical brain, which sometimes lacks imagination, and only considers the physical world. By having hope, you don’t know how but you trust that things will work out.
When I lost my home and community in the Palisades Fire this year, it created many new challenges. Despite my despair, all I told myself was to have hope and that things would work out. This belief is what made the situation tolerable. While the financial devastation remains, we relocated to a more central part of Los Angeles and are content. And in spite of having to change schools, our kids are now happier not having to sit in the car for long commutes.
2. Look at the Bright Side Every Day
Looking at the bright side is sometimes very difficult to do, but remind yourself that things can always be worse. Be grateful for what you have by forcing yourself to look for the benefits in your life. When I lost my home, I thought a lot about the loss of a place with 18 years of memories raising my family.
To stay positive, I reminded myself that the most important thing is that my family is safe. Even though it took us three hours to drive what normally only takes 15 minutes, we were still able to get out of the fire area without any harm. What happened was the destruction of our whole city. And while it’s been hard to look at the bright side, I count my blessings every day.
3. Believe in Yourself to Overcome Challenges
Know that you are greater than any obstacle. Instead of thinking “Why me?”, think “Why not me?” Your challenges will not break you, but will make you stronger. Be resilient and remind yourself that “You are a warrior, not a victim”.
Your challenges are a test that you will pass. Life’s hurdles are there to get your attention and teach you a lesson. When my body started to fall apart, I realized that for years, I was not kind to myself. My happiness, comfort, and joy came last. I lived in a constant state of stress and worry, in a fight, flight or freeze mode. I lived in fear.
I now make it my priority to have times of calm and joy every day. Feeling joy causes the release of various beneficial hormones. So it not only feels good, but it’s also good for you.
4. Accept Negative Emotions and Express Your Feelings
No one is positive all the time. We are not robots. We are humans. Having emotions is normal and natural. Think of your negative emotions as energy drains that need to be addressed. Feel your feelings, and express your thoughts to get past them. Find ways to control your negative emotions and not let them control you.
I recently scientifically defined wisdom in my study and “Common Wisdom” book as eight elements or life skills that contribute to living a more meaningful life. Positivity was the third element in the order of importance. It allows us to live with resilience (the first and most important element) and have hope. It leads us to believe in a brighter tomorrow. Positivity is not an option; it is necessary as we navigate life.
Source: TheGhanaReport | Read the Full Story…
