Cure for PLUM (Poor Little Unfortunate Me) Disease

Copyright 2007 Joanne K. Hill - All rights reserved.

 Have you read The Secret or any of the other fascinating books about using your mind to bring good into your life? Are you having trouble getting the concept? Well, maybe it’s because you are clogged up with PLUM disease. If so, here is the formula for mind cleansing so the secret can work for you.

1.     Stop dissing yourself. Every time you put yourself down, in thought, speech or behavior, you are dis-couraging your spirit. Think about it. You probably get very angry, or hurt, when someone else calls you stupid, or ugly. Yet, if you pay attention, I bet you will find that you often verbalize or think put downs about yourself especially if some action did not turn out the way you wanted. Develop the habit of encouraging yourself, complimenting yourself. Get up in the morning, look in that mirror, and say aloud, “WOW! You are one terrific person. I love you.” The first time I did that, my husband heard me. When I returned to the bedroom he said, “And I love you too!” (We were both late for work that day.)

2.     Pay attention to your thoughts. Our words come from our thoughts—even the secret ones—the ones we are not consciously aware of. That is why it is important to start observing what you are thinking. As often as possible, but especially when something is going right, stop and search that beautiful mind of yours for the thoughts that might have triggered what happened. Keep a notebook handy and jot down a word or two that describes the thoughts and feelings that preceded this result. When something does not go right, do the same in order to find the thoughts and feelings that blocked what you hoped would happen. Following are a couple of examples:

a.      For many years, I suffered with urinary track infections. One day, in much pain, I shared my problem with a friend. She asked, “What have you been thinking?” Instantly I recalled that I frequently used a certain phrase when angry, (and I was often angry in those days), and my face turned red. From then on, I was careful not to be p---ed off and the UTIs are now history.

b.     Here’s another example: You interviewed for a job you really wanted, but it went to someone else. As you trace back your thoughts (and possibly some conversations), you might find something like this; “I’m not really experienced enough but I hope they will give me a chance.” While it is possible that the person who obtained the job was more experienced, you still might have achieved the position had you been confident enough to say, “I know I don’t have all the experience needed for the job, but I am dedicated to working hard and learning everything I can. I am certain that if given the opportunity, with my enthusiasm and determination, I could do a good job for you.” With that frame of mind, even if the job went to someone else, you can count on getting something even better very soon. (Actually, that is how I managed to obtain my first employment

3.     Find positive people who support you—and reciprocate the encouragement. What you give is what you get. Choose your friends carefully, for they can take you down or help you up. Just remember, you are as responsible for being a help or a hindrance as the next person.

4.     Actively listen. If you find that your conversations start out on a positive level but soon fade into complaints and discouraging words, STOP. Check it out. Who started this downward spiral?

a.      You might find you are the one. When you are, be kind to yourself, but firm. A good way to help you overcome the complaining habit is a purple bracelet. Become Complaint Free

b.     If another person speaks negatively, listen for a while longer with no comment. Sometimes that stops the negative flow, especially if the group is truly intent on a positive, encouraging meeting.

c.     If the conversation continues to go downhill, see if there is something you might say that can turn it around. Something like, “Okay, we have the concerns now, what might be done about them?” Positive focus does not mean we don’t face facts. However, we do not have to let facts keep us from change. Look at how many inventors were told their ideas were impossible.

5.  Stand tall. When surrounded by negative people, family, friends, co-workers it is hard to remain positive. I remember a time when my daughter, Laura, who always had a sunny disposition, came home from work with tears in her eyes. “What do they want?” she asked me. “I’ve been cheerful and friendly ever since I started working there and all they’ve done is made fun of me. Today, I didn’t smile, just went about my business and they all wanted to know what was wrong. I told them nothing was wrong with me. They seem to think I’m the one that should always keep the spirit up.” Sometimes in these situations, the fact that you do not participate in the negativity may turn the whole group around, especially if you don’t preach to them. Other times, you may have to leave the group entirely. (Or you might give them all purple bracelets.)

6.  Garbage in, garbage out. What goes into your mind sinks deep into your spirit, affecting everything in your life, so be careful when reading or listening to music, or watching television. Choose messages that will encourage and strengthen your sense of worth, good music with loving, kind words, and upbeat movies and books. RESOURCE LIST

This is only a sampling of the various ways we can keep our focus on the positive. I welcome your comments and additions to this list. Share your stories about the books, music, movies, etc. that have inspired and enriched your life and we will post them on the web site for others. Thank you.