Comments on: 22 ways to develop a more positive attitude

By: Suzanne McKinley

Suzanne McKinley — Mon, 29 Mar 2010 19:36:16 +0000

Roger: The reason i asked that is because it is difficult for patients to do many things they know will help. As in Jon Allen’s catch 22′s, the things depressed people need to do to improve their mood are the very things that are the hardest to do. Now we recognize this in some ways is true of all of us, even those who deliver services to the mentally ill. So does everyone suffer from the blocks those who are depressed do in terms of doing what can keep us practicing mindfulness and feeling a sense of wellbeing? Is it a human condition made worse by mental illness such as depression? Just questioning, not presennting answers.

By: Julie

Julie — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 16:23:33 +0000

Roger, I really enjoyed this post and couldn’t help but think of the Optimist’s Creed when reading it. It is a great thing to post at your desk as a daily reminder. I read it every morning when I arrive to work and feel it’s a great way to start my day!

The Optimist’s Creed:

I Promise Myself…

To be so strong that nothing can disturb my peace of mind.
To talk health, happiness, and prosperity to every person I meet.
To make all my friends feel that there is something worthwhile in them.
To look at the sunny side of everything and make my optimism come true.
To think only of the best, to work only for the best, and to expect only the best.
To be just as enthusiastic about the success of others as I am about my own.
To forget the mistakes of the past and press on to the greater achievements of the future.
To wear a cheerful expression at all times and give a smile to every living creature I meet.
To give so much time to improving myself that I have no time to criticize others.
To be too large for worry, too noble for anger, too strong for fear, and too happy to permit the presence of trouble.
To think well of myself and to proclaim this fact to the world, not in loud words, but in great deeds.
To live in the faith that the whole world is on my side, so long as I am true to the best that is in me.

By: Roger Verdon

Roger Verdon — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 15:55:38 +0000

Suzanne, That is the real question, isn’t it? I’m not a clinician, but my personal opinion is that I often lack mindfulness, being aware of the moment. I often refer to this as life getting in the way of my life. I think being more aware of what we are doing and why we are doing it raises the ability to be more disciplined. Setting goals is also a fine way to help oneself change things. A little change at a time is a great way to begin. Also, if we set goals and slip, then we should try again and not let failure allow us to fail completely. Dr. Karl Menninger said forgiving oneself was a real asset. That is a difficult chore but one I work on.
We are all works in progress and as soon as we realize that perfection is not the goal, but happiness and joy, then we can navigate in the right direction. That works for me.

By: Suzanne McKinley

Suzanne McKinley — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 06:37:38 +0000

It’s a good list of things to do to improve ones attitude.

One question then: Why don’t we do what we know will help?? (This includes you!)