by Christina Noll

Created on: September 04, 2009   Last Updated: September 12, 2009

Most people have heard the phrase mind over matter, but in reality those words carry more power than ever imagined. Your thoughts are your gateway to happiness but far too often people become prisoners of their thoughts and I was one of those people.

My life consisted of one negative thought after the next and I did not realize until recently, you are what you think. I remember even as a child I was unhappy, but it was an unhappiness I created and carried with me into adulthood. It wasn't until I changed my thought process that I began to find what I was looking for, simply put, my happiness. That fulfillment starts when you totally revamp the way you think because the trick to finding happiness is realizing it comes from inside of you. The negativity you dwell on and think about everyday consumes your ability to find the happiness you are looking for.

If you think negatively about yourself and others then don't be surprised when you see the bad in others and yourself. You can't go around expecting good in life if you are not thinking good thoughts, because the world is not about you, it is about what you can bring to the world.

Your positive outlook allows you to see the world from a whole new perspective. Your positive thoughts turn into positive actions. Those actions in turn inspire others. But the same principles also apply to negative thoughts. Your constant judgments of others or yourself in turn hinders everyone and wouldn't you rather inspire people to a greater self-awareness then hinder them with your negativity? Think about it, would you rather associate with people that are depressed and negative or happy and upbeat? Well, the example starts with you and your thoughts, show people how to reach that happiness.

The best way to start thinking more positively is to realize everything happens for a reason and God has a plan for everyone, so of course that includes you. You are here for a reason and yes God has counted every hair upon your head. In other words, you are special. If for some reason you don't view yourself very highly then perhaps you should stand in front of a mirror and tell yourself "God loves me as I am and I have a beautiful plan that God will help me fulfill." Say this to yourself everyday until you absolutely believe it! Then say a prayer for God to help change your thought process as well.

It also helps to realize that God always has your best interests at heart. Sometimes we get discouraged - I know I do - but we absolutely have to remember that God will never forsake us. But if things don't seem to be going your way it is best to say "I don't know what God has planned, but I'm positive that it is what is best for me, so I believe and I will keep pushing on." Times may get even more difficult, but focus not on the flood but on the promise of the rainbow because if you follow God's plan there will always be a rainbow.

In conclusion, let your heart guide your mind because God dwells in your heart and as your thinking changes to a more positive frame of mind everything around you will begin to transform as well.

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