I was born at the beginning of the Great Depression. I didn't take it personally but the other day as I got to thinking about it, I realized there are a lot of lessons to be learned from those desperate times.
The art of survival was one of them because no matter how long problems continue for most of us, we either get better or we get stronger – or both.
We adapt. We put a mirror in front of our lives and the lives of most in this old world and realize that what we call poverty is still wealth to a large part of the world population.
Almost half the world — over three billion people — live on less than $2.50 a day while because of these conditions, 10.6 million children die every year before they reached the age of five. When it comes to having the opportunity to climb the proverbial ladder, 72 million children will never reach the first rung because they will never go to school.
An estimated 40 million people are living with HIV/AIDS, with 3 million deaths a year. One billion people do not have access to clean drinking water. At least 640 million people do not have adequate shelter, many living in houses built from leftover wood and other accumulated scraps of what would otherwise be garbage.
The list goes on.
It goes without saying that many cannot elevate their present financial condition far above where it now stands. Therefore if they cannot change the conditions they need to work mightily on their attitudes. The power of positive thinking may be a cliché but it can certainly change how one lives.
The same is true of health. Eighteen months ago I suffered from a stroke. It left me with a shaky gait and a right hand that has slowed both my writing and my typing. Therefore I can moan and mourn or take the attitude of gratitude that it was not worse and run with it. It is two steps forward and one step backwards but always at the end of a week or so, definite progress.
When we think of the power of positive thinking we think of Norman Vincent Peale. However, the psychology and philosophy of it has been around since man found his first wall and decided to climb over it rather than be stopped by it. There are certain basics that if followed will bring not just happiness but contentment.
The first is to free oneself of all hate and prejudice. To be a spreader of sunshine rather than shadows.
The second is to be a giver more often than a getter. Greed and selfishness are a sure path to depression and despair.
Third, learn to take and benefit from criticism. Praise is pleasant but no friend to a self-improvement program. If we cannot see and admit our faults it is doubtful we will try to rid ourselves of them.
Fourth, worry little and then worry less. It will make your ulcers unhappy but then who wants or needs happy ulcers.
Fifth, your problems will break you or you will break them. So fight your way toward some very practical practices. Read at least one joke a day and think something good about someone as well.
Use these ideas as stepping stones to others just like them and you will gladden your life and those around you. May I also suggest you buy a book on positive thinking and maybe more than once. Read it. Read it again. Continue to read it often for the rest of your life.