Less Stress More Calm

Do You Have A Negative Attitude Towards Life, Work, Love Or All?

I try to write about personal experiences and blend them with the best books I have read. I have read hundreds of self development; philosophy and business books over the years and constantly incorporate their philosophies and teachings into my life. I especially enjoy books that have plenty of research or are scientifically based.

Lately I have been going through a few rough spots involving relatives in an accident (everyone is better now), challenges from my website business, a brand new laptop that just died, dreadful self made stress….you get the picture.

I read another book yesterday that has given me plenty of food for thought.  It is another positive psychology book called, “How full Is Your Bucket" However it is based on analysis of 10,000 business units and more than 30 industries. Here are a few statistics.

• The number 1 reason people leave their jobs is because they don’t feel appreciated.
• Bad bosses increase the risk of stroke by 33%.
• Negative employees can scare off customers – for good
• 9 of 10 people say they are more productive when they are around positive people.

Pretty straightforward stats but good reminders of the world around us.

After giving this book some thought, I’m no longer crabby, I slept great last night and once again I have a positive and hopeful outlook on life. Sometimes I need a nudge to get me in the right direction again.

I am much more positive. I am going to share it with everybody. I will strengthen my relationships with friends at work. I will give out of the blue. I will really try to understand how different people like to be appreciated.

Positive psychology is an extremely important future trend. It does have to be based on reality though and mistakes still have to be corrected. We are not living in la-la land.

But in the future, being positive and appreciative will have the greatest impact on our lives.

I’ve read this before in other books, I’m thankful I read it again.

Gratitude Is One Of The Ultimate Secrets To Happiness

I don't think that happiness is about gaining material objects and wealth like our societies, advertising, and many corporations teach us.

I do believe, however, that our happiness and fulfillment is largely controlled by our perception of the world. Even our mood during the day affects it. Ever had a day where everything was going wrong and something happened to completely change your perception or mood? Perhaps you watched TV and realized how much better you have it then others. The devastation of Hurricane Katrina, in the USA, comes to mind. Perhaps your moment was just a simple unexpected act of kindness.

Suddenly you felt gratitude. Gratitude. Gratitude is one of the most powerful tools in our mind's arsenal right now. The Institute of Heartmath has actually monitored how the heart reacts to both frustration and gratitude. During frustration the heart rhythm is erratic and jumpy. During gratitude the heart rhythm is even and regular. What does that tell you? We need to focus on what is good in our lives.

Gratitude is a form of love. Feeling gratitude and being appreciative is one of the keys to living a fulfilled life.

Action: List the major people, places and things in your life that give you a warm feeling of gratitude. Write them on an index card or even the body of an email. Place the index cards strategically and read them it regularly during the day. For the email one, leave it open and read it, every time you check your mail. Make this a life-long habit.

Action: Realize that if you can't repair, change, or avoid a bothersome situation or problem, just accept it and move on. You know what to do. You've done this before. Do it this time in the name of gratitude and your mind will rest on the good vibes that feeling thankful will bring.

It is time to change your way of thinking. It's time to think of ways to change.

So long until next time