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The power of positive thought. I believe it! It works in so many situations—sports, public speaking, even starting a new business venture. Thinking positive while taking action seems simple enough. But, alas, it’s not always that simple, is it? Good ole’ negativity sets in so easily. It starts with the “I’m just too old,” and continues with the “There is no way this is going to work.” Pretty soon you’ve talked yourself out of it before you’ve even started. Then you ask around for advice and the negativity snowball really begins to roll. Most people don’t mean any harm, they are just trying to be realistic, down to earth, tell you the truth.
There is a myriad of books on the subject. Some of the classics are my favorites—Dale Carnegie’s How to Win Friends & Influence People, Napoleon Hill’s Think and Grow Rich. Right now I’m re-reading David Schwartz’s The Magic of Thinking Big. Turn on the computer and you can spend hours watching self-help videos. Did you know that one thing all successful people have in common? They read! Well, I read that once.
NO FEAR. Remember that slogan? I’m not sure what company used it, though it’s probably related to sports. Tackling fear is even harder than propping yourself up with positive thoughts. What if people laugh at you? What if you look foolish? And maybe it’s not even your own actions that you fear. What if the specialist or professional you are considering is really just a quack?!
Fear can be debilitating. It can also make you do irrational things.
Rodents. That is my irrational fear. From mice and rats to possums and armadillos, if I see a rodent I literally climb or leap onto the closest and highest object . . . a chair, a table, an overturned bucket. Nothing is too high, or too small, apparently, to protect me from the immediate danger. I’m stuck there until the animal wanders away, or I’m able to convince a passerby to shoo it away. And you wonder what the rodent must think? I know this is irrational, I know I look ridiculous, I know better! I just can’t help myself.
For my husband, it’s The Dentist. Coming in at a close second is The Doctor. “I’m a grown man,” he claims. “I’m healthy. I don’t need to pay someone to tell me to floss more often or lose some weight. I already know that.” I say it’s fear. What if the doctor or dentist finds something? Maybe it is better just not to know. That is his attitude anyway. One shared by many.
I guess I can’t call this fear irrational. I will keep encouraging him with my positive thoughts.
Just don’t light a candle. That slight burning smell sets off an investigation throughout the house. Where is the smell coming from? A malfunctioning lamp? Are the wires in the wall melting down at this very moment? The house will be engulfed any second! Ok, maybe that is his irrational fear.
Now we’re even.
DOCTOR, DENTIST, CANDLESTICK MAKER
Too fun