Hi,

They say there are two types of people in this world: Those who see a glass of water as half full…These people are called optimists. And those who see the glass as half-empty…These people are called pessimists. Not as well known, however, is a third type of people in this world.

Those are people who see that glass of water as simply a glass of water. These people are called realists. The reason I bring it up is because the type of person you are will affect the thoughts you have (and vice versa). The optimist has positive thoughts. The pessimist has negative thoughts.

The realist has both, and weighs them together.

They say that positive people live longer. Have you ever heard that? They say it’s because their health is better. Why is that? Because they don’t have as much stress in their lives, they don’t worry as much, and they don’t get angry as often as other people do. So, obviously, they would be healthier – No headaches, upset stomachs, ulcers, anxiety, insomnia, etc. for them! They are also more productive. They get more done, more easily, and with a better attitude. It’s not that a positive person never has negative thoughts – that wouldn’t be realistic – but it’s that they choose not to dwell on them. They don’t act on their negative thoughts, and they don’t let those thoughts bring them down.

Pessimists are just the opposite of everything I’ve just said. And pessimists think negatively.

When you have negative thoughts, you have two choices in dealing with them. You can analyze them (worry, fret, bother), study them, think about them, dwell on them, even obsess over them.

Or you can learn to ignore them, let them go, don’t take them so seriously, etc. In other words, not let them affect you. Obviously, taking your negative thoughts less seriously, or letting them go altogether, is the better choice for your own sake, and for your own health.

Richard Carlson, M.D., in his (now-famous) book called “Don’t Sweat The Small Stuff” says, “When you have a thought – any thought – that’s all it is, a thought! It can’t hurt you without your consent.” So that goes along with what I’m saying. YOU control how a thought affects you, especially a negative thought. Which is very important, because negative thoughts can actually hurt you. They can cause physical consequences, such as high blood pressure, anxiety and stress, headaches, stomach aches and ulcers, insomnia, and even heart problems!

This is for you AND your loved one. It’s worse for your loved one, though. For them, negative thoughts (if dwelled upon) can lead to a bipolar depressive episode. Then once in the depressive episode, if those thoughts continue, they can even lead to suicidal thoughts, which is when it gets really dangerous. So it’s important to remember that when you get a negative thought, you have a choice of what to do with it. Make the right choice and let it go, so that it doesn’t hurt you or your loved one.

Well, I have to go!

Your Friend,

Dave