As I'm thinking more about this foray into my creativity and the direction I need to be steering my life, I have been thinking a lot about the idea that we are what we eat. Although, in this sense I mean we are what we absorb into our minds and our hearts. Years ago I discovered that I was easily influenced by images and words. I stopped watching horror movies long ago and when a television show starts with the disclaimer that it contains graphic images that could be disturbing to some viewers, I often take the warning to heart and switch the channel. Ugly images have a way of lodging themselves into my subconscious and causing me to be distracted and lose sleep; and I know they have a negative impact.
Thus, I've been thinking that while I am on this journey of self-discovery, it is best to make sure that I keep myself on a steady diet of postive thoughts. I remember the first time I was introduced to the idea that we control our thoughts and that our thoughts and feelings can impact our well-being. I was living at home with my parents so I'm thinking I was either still in high school or perhaps home for the summer from college. I was having a conversation with my Dad. I'm sure I must have been complaining about something in my life and was obviously quite down. Now, my Dad is one of the most self-confident and optimistic people I have ever met. He never lets someone tell him he can't do something and he never told his children that we couldn't do something. I have always admired him. At any rate, at some point during our conversation, he walked over to one of his bookshelves and pulled down a book and handed it to me. He told me that I needed to have a more positive attitude and that I should read this book. It was entitled The Power of Positive Thinking and was written by Norman Vincent Peale. This book was published in 1952, long before some of the books on the subject that people turn to today. Though at the time, I was dubious, I did read the book and tried to put into practice some of its teachings. But I never fully devoted myself to it. Over the years, I have read other books about positive thinking. About a year ago, I purchased Mr. Peale's book again and reread it. As I continue with this artistic adventure and inner reflection, there will be many more positive and inspirational words written by others which will help me to maintain my focus. I intend to give credit where credit is due and will maintain a list of these amazing books that have helped me along the way. As this blog is still taking shape and I started it on a whim, I'm not sure where it is going to lead but I am dedicated to having its primary focus be on inspiration, motivation, and creation. Negativity is not welcome here.
We are what we eat. Are we what we let eat at us? I guess it works that way, depending on the focus.
ReplyDeleteI think the operative word in that comment is "let." And boy have I been permissive in that department. I'm trying very hard to have a little more control over my thoughts. Kind of like a diet for my brain.
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