As a self described Positive Thinking author I’ve been struggling.
It stinks because I feel that I’m not supposed to allow negative thoughts to take over.
I never set out to write a “real” book. My plan was to simply write a short e-book and offer it for free on my site. After I wrote my little e-book I put it away. Upon re-reading it a month later my positive thoughts began to wane.
I know my message is worthwhile. Positive Thinking can make a difference in how much you enjoy your life. It’s good for your health. Positive thinking increases your endorphins, and you can perceive more opportunities and possibilities.
What if people read it and told me that what I wrote about is nothing new? The truth is that authors have been writing about Positive Thinking for decades. Feeling defeated and afraid of being judged I decided not to offer my Positive Thinking e-book.
What was wrong with me? I help people and teach them positive thinking techniques. They leave my office with tools that can change their life. And here I am allowing my negative thoughts to control my actions.
A year later I went back to that little e-book to turn it into a real Positive Thinking book. Twelve chapters later I knew I had something that would help others. After I opened the email which read “I’ve never heard of affirmations. Is there a market for your book?” I felt my stomach drop.
OK Wendy, it’s time to reframe your thoughts, I mumbled. So what if there are other personal development books? There are hundreds of cookbooks published each year and people never get tired of them. You’ve gotta find a new way of thinking, starting now!
That night I went to sleep and asked my subconscious mind (yes, I talk to it lol!) to come up with solutions to my problem.
A few days later I had it! While teaching a class I realized that I had something new. Until I had asked my subconscious (my higher self, god) it never occurred to me to examine what I teach. It never occurred to me that I already had the answer.
Moral: When I shift my thoughts and become a Positive Thinker, amazing things can happen.
Good post, Wendy.
I, too, am a positive thinker. But once in awhile we doubt ourselves — for whatever reason. You’re right. Reaching for our inner strength and guidance always provides the right answer. Good luck with your book.
Hi Wendy,
I agree, sometimes we worry too much about what others will think. Surrendering ourselves to a higher power always helps, but it is difficult to get into this mode of surrender. I’m glad you listened to your subconscious mind/higher power.
Lubna, when we stop worrying about what others think, it’s easy to move forward. In my experience that does not mean that we have to surrender. In fact, I’m not sure we ever want to “surrender” anything! (Would you surrender your money, your computer, your mind? Of course not!)
What I have found effective is to “release” old worries and judgements.
In my book, “releasing” is an OK thing to do. Way easier than “surrounding.”
I know that that seems to be all about words, however our subconscious mind tends to take things literally and we must be aware of what we are saying to ourselves.
Wendy,
I really love to know the struggles of a positive thinker.
It is interesting that you communicate with the subconscious mind. Glad, that you got clear answer from your subconscious mind.
My career is all about helping people access and communicate with their subconscious mind.
Once we understand how it works, then it becomes easy to direct and change our thoughts.
(By-the-way that is what my new book is all about!)
I get this. I call it the “not good enough syndrome”. I have been encouraged to take my set of stories form my blog to an eBook. I have worried that it isn’t enough and have yet to take action. I believe it’s because I worry that it will not be well received. The funny thing is I am usually a risk taker and yet I resist… Sigh!
I could hear your voice saying those things to yourself. I also talk to my sub-conscience and maybe that is what I need to do… Seriously! 🙂
Susan, if even one person suggested that you create an eBook, then you know that one person feels your stuff is good and will benefit others. When you do this and let people know, you’ll be attracting the people who will like it and they will receive it well. Of course some people won’t receive it well, nor will they download it. Just remember that they ARE NOT your target market!
It’s impossible to please everyone. Just keep on doing what you are doing and bring value to those who are interested.
Wendy,
I’m happy to hear that you “spoke with” your inner self.
With all the noise arround the “outer” self, it’s no wonder we can’t hear ourselves think.
I have found that by having that inner dialogue right before going to sleep helps.
Your words have motivated me to follow through with something that I have “known” for the last 5 or so years that I am destined to do.
Thank you for your inspiration!
Pamela – how awesome! Glad you are moving forward and doing it. It’s much more fun to do the work we are “destined to do”.
I know because I spent 15 years in the financial field and never felt like it was a good fit for me.
Well, on 9/11 of this year I did not show my positive side. I expressed my anger over the embassy bombing on the internet, on my facebook page. After having a heated argument with several muslims, I decided it wasn’t worth it. I shouldn’t waste my time on energy in the converstation. I ended the conversation and re-focused and surrounded myself with positive books and cd’s.
I was angry with myself for not handling my emtions better.