Focusing on the positive

“Do not be confined by your current circumstances.”
 

This quote has me thinking. It is deceptively simple, really. I am a person who often dismisses things that sound too simple. It can’t be that easy, says my logical brain.

My logical mind likes to evaluate things, to inventory and count and look at the costs and benefits of each action. I imagine my logical mind as a kind of alter ego peering over her reading glasses, tsking and scowling over her list of woes, imperfections and complaints like a perturbed librarian.

What I find is I am often stuck in reactive mode. I don’t take the time and mental energy to really draw positive thoughts and energy toward me. I look and react to the negative so much more easily than focusing on the positive and visualizing the direction I want to head in.

Our society makes it easy.  As a woman, we are taught to scrutinize our physical shell.  I look in the mirror and see the “to do” list. Get rid of that gray hair, pluck those eyebrows, fix your lipstick, etc. How often do we look in the mirror and say, “Hey, I look good!”

Physically, we operate pretty much the same way. It is easy to focus on each ache, pain and twitch. But doesn’t that sell our selves too short?

What power can we tap into if we stop focusing on the negative and look at what is right? How will our energy change if we spend more time visualizing the positive and having a real gratitude for the things that we can achieve and do – both mentally and physically.

Multiple sclerosis is a challenge, but the challenge is to also look beyond the wall of symptoms. Healing can come when you focus on what is positive and visualize even more success. We need to deeply and mindfully connect to the things we want. Progress isn’t automatic; it takes action and conscious effort – but it starts with the visual picture and motivation to make the dream a reality.