By Dr. Laura B. Lyons
On a recent visit to my retreat of choice, the Ann Wigmore Health Institute in Aquada, Puerto Rico, I marveled at a comment made by one of the personal development instructor about "mind toxicity. The substance of the instructor's message is that we can toxify our minds with negative thoughts, in much the same manner as we toxify our bodies with junk food. I really sat up and took notice when the teacher stated that "the mind has the capacity to process approximately 92,000 thoughts per day, and according to this self development expert, our lives would be significantly enhanced, if at least three of these thoughts were positive, and self affirming. Wow!! Now, "ain't that something to think about?!
I assumed that toxic thoughts syndrome, was solely my own personal demon. However, self-development literature, reveals that it is an international phenomenon that is no respecter of age, image, gender, race or national origin. Certainly, the self admitted attempted suicide of a celebrated beauty, such as Haile Berry, the reportedly self destructive behavior of super model Naomi Campbell, and even the widely reported, low self-esteem of Princess Di, give credence to the universality of "negative thinking.,, At some point in our lives, statistics reveal that even the most accomplished and apparently, self-confident persons experience the debilitating effects of "toxic thoughts syndrome. Oprah Winfrey, for example, admits, "I have struggled with my own self-value for many, many years. Even when she was winning numerous awards and public applause, Oprah says she was, "filled with self-doubt and fear of not being good enough!
The good news is that we can transcend our tendency to lament our lot, belittle our achievements, question our competence, and doubt our ability. Some life changing maxims for transforming our thought processes are;
- It may sound trite, but it is a fundamental truth that we are each made in the image of the creator and "he don't make no junk. So, we are each divinely great in our own right. This awareness can neutralize toxic thoughts.
- Accentuate the positive. Become your own personal champion. Remember most unhappiness derives from comparing your weaknesses to someone else's strength. You are as great as you think you are!
- Discover the path to positivity., Read Maya Angelou's, "Wouldn't Take Nothing for my Journey Now. This book will inspire you to believe in your innate power, as Maya did during her struggle with self-acceptance, according to her revelations.
- Create your own healing experiences. Make an appointment with yourself for pampering, and reminiscing over your previous successes. Remember you are not an imposter. Your accomplishments are as real as your perceived failures. Listen for the applause and ignore the boos, in your life.
- Lighten up on yourself. Perhaps your expectations are too high. Give yourself permission to let go. Quit trying to be perfect. You're Ok, just as you are.
Most importantly, pat yourself on the back for the strides that you've made, and take life one day at a time. This is not a dress rehearsal for the real thing. Therefore, we should live on our own terms, minus (sans) toxic thoughts.,
Author of "Lyons, Guide to the Career Jungle, Dr. Laura B. Lyons is President of Career Dynamics International, a Motivational Trainer and Management Consultant. Her articles may be read at www.islandsun.com - e-mail address: cdi@caribsurf.com