There are volumes of books, articles and studies on the effects that positive thinking has on our overall health. The U.S. National Institute of Health (NIH) alone has funded more than 40 studies on how the state of our mind affects our physical health and overall wellbeing. Dr. Carol Ryff, psychology professor at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, is one of NIH’s researchers who believes positive thinking can literally extend the length of our lives. Many of us have been taught from early on that we can do it if we think we can. Remember ‘The Little Engine That Could’? His mantra “I think I can, I think I can” is what allowed him to pull the train over the steep mountain, when the other bigger engines didn’t think they could do it. So, what is the alternative to positive thinking?

Have you ever heard the adage that ‘stinking thinking brings about stinking results’? At Choosing Joy, we like to emphasize that how we think is what creates our experience of life. And, the mounting scientific evidence of the mind-body connection on our overall health can no longer be ignored.

It is completely normal and natural to have feelings of sadness, fear and anger when confronted with a serious or chronic illness. These emotions – usually thought of as negative ones – need to be expressed in healthy ways: through talking, journaling, breathing, meditating, crying and even hitting pillows, if that’s what you need. Giving yourself permission to both feel and express the emotions within you is critical to both your mental and physical wellbeing.

When we stay in sadness, anger or fear, however – or any other ‘negative’ emotion(s) we may be feeling, we risk creating an ongoing unhappy experience of life for ourselves, and even more compromised health. Life is precious: how do you want to spend the rest of your’s, however long it may be? If you make the decision that you want your life to be as joyful as possible, even under the circumstances you find yourself in, you can start making it a reality by becoming aware of the thoughts you think moment-by-moment – and committing to re-framing those thoughts positively.

For example: maybe you discover one thought going through your mind is “I look terrible.” One way to re-frame such a thought could be “I am alive. I am a beautiful person, both on the inside and out.”

Give it a try, and see how consciously choosing to think positive affects how you feel and your overall experience of life.

It’s (more than) OK to ask for help …
Dealing with the emotions that can follow a devastating diagnosis can be a complex process. It doesn’t happen overnight, and there is no ‘right’ or ‘wrong’ way. Seeking help – whether it be in the form of a support group, counsellor, your Doctor, friends and/or family – is a sign of your strength and that you care about how you experience the rest of your life.

Point to Ponder:

The late Christopher Reeves, known the world-over for his role as “Superman” in the 1978 hit movie, suffered a spinal cord injury that left him paralysed from the neck down and brought significant follow-on health challenges. At first he wanted to die, then he ‘made the decision to live’. He became known for his optimism, and was committed to living the best life he could under the circumstances he found himself in – which included helping others with similar challenges.

While Christopher died 9 years after his accident from a heart attack ultimately stemming from his condition, he left a legacy of artistic work, a foundation to help people with physical challenges, and above all, hope and optimism.

Christopher participated in his life fully after his injury, achieving joy and satisfaction through his many impressive accomplishments. Had If he’d had a negative outlook on his state and the road ahead for himself after his accident, do you think theose last 9 years of his life would have unfolded differently?

You don’t have to be Superman or Superwoman to achieve joy and fulfillment in your life – just knowing the quality of life you want and making the decision to move positively forward will be a huge leap toward ‘betterness’: your most optimal self, whatever your circumstances.