Thinking Positive in a Negative World Isn't Easy

I have read many, many books on the subject of positive thinking and I really think it is starting to have an effect on my behavior. One thing I have discovered is that you have to "want" to change before any changes will take place. It will not happen overnight and is a lot of work. But if you want changes, they will happen.

These changes must take place first on the inside before you can shine your true self to the world. Take for instance, I use to 'cuss like a sailor' and one day I decided that is not the way a person should be. So, I made an effort several years ago that isn't going to be a part of me any longer. Old habits are hard to break, but every time one of these words popped out of my mouth I told myself to stop and take a deep breath. After time it got easier. Now, I am at the point that I really take notice of the people who use this language no matter where they are. I would love it if everyone would stop talking like that but I know that isn't going to happen, and that is their choice.

The next thing that I did was to stop drinking. I never was a particularly heavy drinker but I did like an occasional beer, glass of wine, or a nice margarita. It has been two years since I've had any alcohol and I don't miss it a bit. I go out with friends who drink and I get to be the designated driver, which is fine by me. I enjoy myself just as much and don't wake up with a hangover.

Also, I try to stay as upbeat as possible. When I go to work, I speak to everyone. I try to get along with everyone and make the day as enjoyable as possible. Even when I run into the really crabby co-worker who makes my skin crawl, I make it a point to be as nice as I can. Lately, I have noticed that this co-worker is beginning to be nice back to me. So, maybe this positive thinking thing is working.

Now, another obstacle that seems insurmountable is other drivers. I try to always obey the speed limits on the way to and from work but it seems like everyone behind me wants to get to where they are going faster. So they tailgate, honk their horns, and turn on their bright lights to try to get me out of the way. That is something that is very frustrating to me and something I need to realize, maybe these people are just real jerks.