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“You may wonder, aside from affecting our moods, does it really matter what we think?”

A thought by H. Norman Wright DMin. from his book, A Better Way to Think: Using Positive Thoughts to Change Your Life (p.14). Baker Publishing Group (Click on the book title to go to Amazon.com to buy the book.)

That’s a good question.

Norman says, “We’re just talking about harmless thoughts, right?

“Wrong. The truth is, the content of your thoughts matters a lot. You see, our thoughts can limit who we are and what we become, or they can act as the catalyst prompting us forward in our lives.

“Our thoughts influence our character, shape our attitudes, determine our behaviors, affect our spirituality, and even influence the immune system, says author, educator, and psychologist Archibald Hart. ‘Your thinking determines whether you will be happy or sad most of the time. It even determines if you’ll get married.’ he says.”

Norman goes on, “Let’s assume this day isn’t going so well for you. There have been frustrations and setbacks—other people not following through on commitments, loved ones not paying attention to your concerns, children misbehaving.”

He continues, “Now you have some angry, unkind, or cranky thoughts—and there’s a consequence. Your brain releases chemicals that cause physical reactions. You may feel your muscles tense, your heart pound, your hands sweat. The body is a receptacle for every negative thought we have, and it reacts to each one.”

He then says, “Imagine the difference if you viewed your day… with a positive take on whatever comes your way. You’d skip all the unpleasant emotions and physical reactions that accompany negative thinking.”

To really understand this would make such a difference in our days, wouldn’t it?

Yes, yes!

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