BellaOnline Forums Beauty and Self Body Image Thinking negative thoughts

I have been reading a book that encourages positive affirmations. I've read about affirmations before (where you go around saying positive things to yourself or aloud), and it just struck me as silly. However, this time around I've learned something surprising. By saying the positive things, I catch myself every time I have a negative thought. I'm amazed at how much negativity was living in my head. Can't find my keys: "Stupid", etcetera. I'm on a new mission. Have you caught yourself in a negative moment?

So many negative moments/thoughts come up for me but I agree affirmations do help. I also think nature helps. It's almost impossible to be unhappy when you're out on a sunny day or taking a night walk looking at the stars.

Just a quick added thought--Have you ever seen that Al Franken movie "Stewart Smalley Saves His Family" (I believe that's the accurate title)? It's completely a satire, but so funny and it really lifts the mood. He plays a guy with a TV show all about positive affirmations.

Thanks, Alexa. I have never seen the movie actually, but I've seen previews and heard lots of people laughing about it. I think having a sense of humor is good because you can feel silly going around talking to yourself, but it does help!

Absolutely, being positive, is part of what it takes to make dreams come true, and it is scientifically proven that laughter is the best medicine.
I think negative emotions and stress destroy objectivity, and are hard on our relationships, as well as ourselves, and of course our ability to achieve.
I also think negative comments and thoughts are bad habits.

I think with all the negative out here in the world you almost have to cencer the way you think!!! but the danger of positive affermations is if you try to do them for other poeple in an effort to make your self believe someone or think is a good person or idea... or if you start haveing delutions of grandure. I am rich I am bullit proof!!! but if you keep your self grounded and balanced.... THATS the KEY to success!!!!

can someone PLEASE teach me how to do this? I think my negative thoughts are actually making me ill.

[color:"purple"] I think 'just do it' applys here !!!
in a class i took we had to write each time we said something negetive and especially to ourselves. like 'i'm so stupid' really hit home how many times we do this. THEN we were ready to be more positive by just NOT doing it.
the other thing i've done is a positive affermation in front of the bathroom mirror. " i love myself unconditionally.' yes sounds insane! but you know what, it worked.
good luck. [/color] <img src="/images/graemlins/music.gif" alt="" />

Another way to have positive thoughts is through Yoga. I did it for 10 years and it certainly helped me through a difficult period of my life.

Negative thoughts can definitely make you ill! It's been proven that they lower your immune system, making you more susceptible to colds and other illnesses. And -- what kind of a life is it if you're plagued by negativity? A blechy one. The situation is the same (eg, you lost your keys or missed the bus) whether you think you're stupid or just distracted....but your outlook is totally different, and that affects your health and perspective.

One way to stop negative thoughts is to simply notice when you're thinking negatively. Don't berate yourself for it, just notice it. Eventually you can start replacing positive thoughts for those negative ones!

Do you think some people are just born more cheerful and optimistic?