Wouldn’t it be nice to find a therapist who didn’t dwell on the negatives in your life … or your past life, then prescribe antidepressants? Isn’t there some other way to make you feel better?

Yes, there is. Some psychologists say the answer lies in talking about the good things in your life. That could include your interests, your talents, or your gratitude to someone.

Focusing on your strengths is part of seeing the sunny side of your life. The therapists recommend thinking about what makes you happy when times of stress and depression come.

The good news is that the technique works for everyone including people with no mental illness or disorder, those who function well but just want to function better. They are increasingly giving the upbeat method a try.

In applying “positive psychology,” therapists point up the affirmative aspects of a patient’s life with the goal of helping them feel more optimistic, capable, and fulfilled.

The new techniques may involve stressing such strengths as creativity or humor and using these qualities in everyday life. One goal is to teach people to put more positive experiences into their day, to appreciate and notice these experiences

This positive approach is being used with everyone from depressed patients and anorexics to disaster victims, and veterans returning from war with post-traumatic stress disorder.

Positive psychology was created by Martin Seligman of the University of Pennsylvania, who later became president of the American Psychological Association.

Quotes

When one door closes, another opens; but we often look so long and so regretfully upon the closed door that we do not see the one that has opened for us.

Alexander Graham Bell

The only people to get even with are those who have helped you.

Anon

When you do the common things in life in an uncommon way, you will command the attention of the world.

George Washington Carver

Dreams are renewable. No matter what our age or condition, there are still untapped possibilities within us and new beauty waiting to be born.

Dale Turner

When you get into a tight place and everything goes against you until it seems that you cannot hold on for a minute longer, never give up, for that is just the place and time that the tide will turn.

Harriet Beecher Stowe

Victory is sweetest when you’ve known defeat.

Malcolm Forbes

Enthusiasm is that secret and harmonious spirit which hovers over the production of genius.

Isaac Disraeli

Close scrutiny will show that most crisis situations are opportunities to either advance or stay where you are.

Maxwell Maltz

When angry, count to ten before you speak; if very angry, a hundred.

Thomas Jefferson

The quality of a person’s life is in direct proportion to their commitment to excellence, regardless of their chosen field of endeavor.

Vince Lombardi

Nothing will work unless you do.

Maya Angelou

Take care and have a great day.

Dr. Rhadi Ferguson

http://www.ChumpRepellent.com

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