The Power of Positive Thinking (Happiness Project)
03.21.2010 | Happiness Project | 26 comments
With Paisley I had a pretty crazy labor and delivery. It’ a long story so I will spare the details, but I remember lying in the hospital the night after I woke up from an emergency surgery I had to get. I was pretty drugged up and in a lot of pain. I wasn’t sure what was going on, so I just started crying. I had never been so scared.
I felt no peace. I felt no safety. I felt no comfort.
I had a long physical and mental recovery ahead of me. Eventually I had to go see a counselor for the anxietys I was having from the experience. My mind became my enemy. I started thinking negative thoughts that would hurt me so bad. I was physically making my self sick with my fears.
I have always believed that our minds are one of the strongest and most powerful things on earth. I didn’t actually know this was true until I experienced it. My thoughts were slowly beating me down. Then when My Mom died it continued.
I would replay her tears and last breath in my mind over and over. The Fear would come back. I felt no peace. I felt no safety. I felt no comfort.
So here I am. Finally, I am feeling peace. I am feeling comfort. It took a while but i’m here. It’s true when people say once you’ve hit rock bottom the only place to go is up.
I still have fears and weakness and that’s ok, i feel like it’s only natural as long as I have power over them.
So I have to thank my sister who introduced me to this book. Thanks Jen:)
This book=Incredible.
The 2nd chapter is called “A Peaceful Mind Generates Power”
You pretty much need to read this book and find out how magical life can be when you change your attitude. I believe in myself now and I believe in others. During the day if I see something beautiful l take a minute to take a mental picture. Or if I have a moment of joy I remember that feeling and hold onto it. Then when I am afraid or a negative thought comes into my mind. I remember those mental pictures and perfect feelings, they make me happy, they bring me peace.
Last but not least, I figured out if I wear a cute headband it is a lot easier to think happy thoughts. Plus I feel cute :)
Happy Sunday.
03.21.10 | Happiness Project
Amelialyon: Thanks for making my Sunday brighter with this post Ang. We already miss you guys! (21/03/10, 11:30)
julie h: wow, thank you for sharing! Your honesty and vulnerability is beautiful and inspiring. (21/03/10, 11:35)
Emilie: Thanks for this post! I've started thinking positive last year, after 10 years of failure and unhappiness, and guess what, I'm happier now and I'm not scared anymore. But I'm going to buy this book, just to remind me that I need to stay positive everyday. Thanks for putting words on my thoughts and feelings. I'm happy to see that I'm not alone to feel like this. :) (21/03/10, 11:36)
J. Lang: Angie, thanks for sharing. Negativity is one of my biggest downfalls, and I know better, for so many reasons. I know my dad loved this book, I need to read it. Thanks for the reminder. A fitting post for a Sunday. (21/03/10, 11:43)
dusty brown: As constant givers in the photography world we all get down from time to time. Scared. Nervous. Doubtful. I have learned the power of Positive thinking, sometimes I need a kick to remember. Today you are that kick. Rock on! db (21/03/10, 11:58)
tammie billey: You make me smile :) (21/03/10, 12:00)
Airika Pope: I agree--a positive thought (and friends who encourage you to think them) make such a difference in our lives. Thank you so much for being open and willing to share your heart. I love the imagery and your headband too. :) (21/03/10, 12:37)
tamara lackey: love. thanks so much for sharing :) (21/03/10, 12:53)
karen lisa: love this post, thank you for writing it and sharing a piece of yourself with the world! I'm so glad to know you <3 (21/03/10, 01:48)
regina holder: Angie, thank you for such a lovely post. I've experienced a lot of death in my family, including the suicides of my dad and brother. I have no immediate family left and often feel so alone. This year is about moving forward and allowing myself to be happy. I am ordering this book today and look forward to reading it. peace + happiness *r (21/03/10, 02:27)
Quin Cheung: Angie, you're a bright light. Keep on shining girl. Keep on shining. (21/03/10, 02:58)
Ashley: I'm so glad to know I'm not the only one out there that feels trapped like that sometimes. It's crazy how powerful our minds are. Thanks so much for sharing your thoughts and being so honest. I might just have to get a copy of that book! (21/03/10, 03:59)
Jeanette: You are so beautiful, inside and out. Seriously. This post brought peace to my heart. Plus - potential game night on Saturday - you free? ;) (21/03/10, 05:47)
Jenna lines: Best book ever! Norman Rocks-your welcome! Here's to no fear but faith! Nothing will ever defeat you ever, no matter what:) (21/03/10, 06:15)
megan welker: thank you for being so open Angie :) you are truly a beautiful woman, inside and out. Oh, and you have the cutest accessories too! (21/03/10, 07:21)
Carl: Great post...thanks for sharing. Regards, Carl from T.O. (21/03/10, 07:24)
Gina Meola: Love this. Love you. (21/03/10, 07:35)
jac kaiser: angie, you're my hero :) (21/03/10, 09:18)
Amanda B.: I love you, Angie! I am going to look for a copy of this book. I am amazed with how you have handled your trials. You have gone through some very difficult times and you continue to inspire people (as you always have in the past). Thanks for again sharing your positive outlook on life. Love you! (22/03/10, 08:26)
~abi~: thank you for sharing this, angie! i am going to get that book! (22/03/10, 12:08)
Cindy: Hey Angie. Thanks for this post. Our minds are so powerful, for good and bad. This past year was such a trial for me, and your posts have always resonated with how I have felt. This year has been one of trials as well, but the difference has been my state of mind. This week I faced a trial that would have broken me last year, and reading your words gave me peace and reminded me of how far I've come as well. Thank you. (22/03/10, 04:56)
Anna: Oh, Angie. Much, much love and light to you. You aren't alone in this struggle. When we lost our baby girl (it was a really traumatic birth with emergency surgery, too), I struggled. It's been two years and I still have days that are just, well, "those" days. But I've realized that it's okay. Angie, grief is a lifelong process. Traumatic occurrences take work to live with. I am so proud of you, but please know that you aren't alone. (23/03/10, 07:25)
briana elledge: lovely post, thank u so much for sharing. this may sound odd, but that headband is amazing, do you mind sharing where its from? (01/04/10, 07:46)
steph: this is so amazing. its exactly what i needed to read. Thankyou. I am going to read the book and im going to wear a hat today, because thats what makes me feel cute. thanks. xox (01/04/10, 08:46)
ajira: Thanks for sharing so honestly Angie... I'm so glad the Happiness Project is soaring high! :) (04/04/10, 03:16)
Alex: this is beautiful angie and so so true. you are remarkable. i wish i could take pictures like you...but i take them with my mind and when the world is going crazy i close my eyes and let the slideshow play. you are phenomenal! and now, i want that book. love to you! (09/04/10, 06:09)