What Does Positive Thinking Mean After Everything?
Today marks National Positive Thinking Day. You'll probably see a lot of posts encouraging you to "just stay positive" or "choose joy." But if you've been around long enough, you'll know that it's not always that simple.
I've undergone three brain surgeries. I have seven (yup, you read that correctly) autoimmune conditions. I have rebuilt parts of my life several times. I've sat with fear, frustration, and exhaustion, and I keep coming back to the concept of positive thinking. Not because it is trendy, but because for me it has evolved into a useful tool. A practice. A decision. A choice.
For me, positive thinking does not imply ignoring difficult situations. It's about making room for what remains possible in spite of the difficult situation.
It means waking up after a night of pain or uncertainty and deciding to try again. It includes having faith, even when the journey is long. It means believing that your future self is someone worth fighting for.
If you're reading these words and feeling like you're barely holding it together, I want you to know that positive thinking does not imply being cheerful. It's about believing that there is still something worth getting up for, even if it's just a hot shower or a quiet moment.
Today, I'm choosing to honor the resilience that exists within all of us. The kind that says, "Keep going" when nothing makes sense. That is what true positive thinking looks like to me.
So, wherever you are and whatever you're carrying, remember this: your thoughts matter. And you get to choose which ones give you power rather than take it away.
With love, Indie.
the nail on the head: being positive isn't the same as cheerful--yes!! Such great advice!!
Moving forward even when you feel like shit is still adopting a positive mindset. That's how you learn you can do hard things.