by Jennifer Lim

Created on: January 13, 2010   Last Updated: January 14, 2010

Positive thinking is not about solving problems, in fact it will not solve your problem especially a life threatening one. When I saw the interview with Barbara Ehrenreich, author of Smile or Die: How Positive Thinking Fooled America and the World on News Night, my first thought was at last someone is giving us some light about the truth of positive thinking.’.

I agree with her that it’s no point telling a person who is suffering, in this case, she has breast cancer, and that she needs to be positive to get well. That’s not empathy, that’s dismissing her feelings of fear, anger and sadness.

Many of us are told that our problems can solved if we think positively. Some of us are even made to feel that it’s our negative thoughts that are making our life miserable. Is this true? Can positive thinking solve problems?

As I thought further on the truth about positive thinking, I realised that I cannot dismiss the fact that positive thinking have in some point of my life help me overcome problems. The positive thoughts and positive changes I have made to my life have worked well for me. For those things that have not come into fruition, I accept that it is probably not right for me. I know this cannot be compared to someone who has a terminal illness and there is not much they can do to change their predicament.

The interview with the Smile or Die author have led me to realise that perhaps the truth about positive thinking is not about psyching ourselves into believing that saying daily affirmations and ignoring negative feelings is going to solve our problems. Positive thinking is about acknowledging and accepting that there is a problem; understand why we have negative thoughts and making a decision to make positive changes to our life.

Positive thinking is not about solving your problem.  It won’t heal you or keep you away from dreaded illnesses. Positive thinking can however help you decide on how you can make your life better in the midst of your problem.

Positive thinking is not about solving your problems. It wouldn’t shield you from negative feelings and life’s obstacles. It can however help you face your problems, make improvements to your life and keep you motivated in achieving your goals.

Positive thinking will not solve your problems but it helps you have clarity in thoughts and the mental stability to tackle your problems. 

Positive thinking is not about solving your problem but having positive attitude can help make your life better. Believing in yourself and your capabilities whilst acknowledging your weaknesses prepares you for life challenges.

There is no doubt that having a positive attitude is healthy. You find a purpose in your life and you feel more fulfilled as you start to do the things that make you happy.

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