Don't live on poison

Luckily for me, I finally sat down with my family and watched The Secret last night. We couldn't watch anymore news coverage or mindless sitcom or reality programming.

The Secret's concept is simple: Think thoughts that are positive, focus on feeling good. If you do, you'll attract good into your life. Focus on what you want to accomplish instead of what you want to destroy.

Simple enough, but certainly not my strategy in this tragedy filled week. I've been on a tear about social responsibility in the media. I've been upset most of the week. You may be having the same gray week. Our thought patterns are negative right now, ranging from shock to outrage. All we are doing is attracting more negatives into our lives. I've noticed that counter service has been surly, drivers have honked at me and a neighbor's dog growled at me like I was a cat burglar. Why? My thoughts were sending out a negative vibe and attracting like vibes back into my life.

So today I'm going to focus on what makes me feel good. I'm going to spend time today visualizing what I want next year (to produce a book that inspires others to make a difference) and I'm going to diet on positive thinking today. I'm not going to logon to any website that carries news headlines. I'm not going to watch live TV tonight or this weekend.

You cannot live on poison. You mind lives on the media you consume and the conversations that you have. Don't poison your mind, because your attitude, outlook and personality depends on it. You can't be happy with negative thoughts coursing through your brain. It is your choice, not the media's.

Today I want you to think of one thing that you do in life that makes you feel good. Carve one hour out of your schedule either today (work) or this weekend (personal) and do what makes you feel good. Give back. Mentor a new team member. Play your guitar. Pet your dog and think about the best day you ever had in camp as a kid. Whatever, just do it.

On Sunday night, right before you go to bed, take out a piece of paper and write down three things you are grateful for. If possible, relate these points of gratitude to your job or family. You'll find that Monday will meet you with a good attitude and you will attract people with good attitudes into your day.

Next week will/can/must be a better week. It's your thought.

Comments

[Rob McCauley]

It's true, Tim. It probably sounds trite to find the good in a bad situation, but it's there. I didn't have much of an opinion about Virginia Tech one way or the other--until I saw how quickly the pulled together as a community. I used to chuckle a bit at the idea of people willingly calling themselves "Hokies", but I tell ya, I've learned my lesson. It's something to be proud of. Not because they suffered something awful, but because they are something amazing.

That's a theme in the whole tragedy. 32 innocent lives were lost. They were also brought to our attention. If you take the time to learn about them, they're all the sort of people you'd want to know, if not be.

I think the lesson is that we should rediscover the amazing people we spend our lives among without ever noticing.

[Rod Corcoran]

Great thoughts! I couldn't agree with you more. We are what we consume is not just advice in counting calories. I am inspired to take some time, shut the TV off and feed myself a fresh positive outlook.

[Eric Pennington]

Another thing that can help (if we let it) is to remember we don't have as much time as we think we do...to accomplish what we were made to do. Life is a limited time offer.

[Ro]

Thank you for articulating these thoughts so well. You're right, I have been noticing more than usual crossness, and short tempers. Our mood conveys so much energy, good or bad, to others around us and to the world based on the connections that we make. Best not to be toxic. Take care, -Ro