A few weeks ago while on my lunch break at work, a co-worker commented that she noticed that my photography side of life was starting to blossom and get busier and she asked if I knew why it was suddenly getting so much busier. I smiled and just said, “it’s all in the power of positive thinking!”
I know what you’re probably thinking, “Yes, I’ve heard of ‘The Secret’ or Karma or Law of Attraction” and while it may seem a bit cliché to connect my outward energy to what comes back, I truly do believe in this boomerang method of thinking. On January 1st of this year I sat down in a quiet room and thought of what I wanted to get out of this year, and where I wanted my life to go. I thought to myself that “this year is going to be the year that something changes, that my photography becomes what I’ve been working toward” and I’m happy to say that it seems to be happening. Sure I may not be working for Time Magazine or designing album covers for famous rock bands, but I’m moving in a direction that feels 100% right and that feels so positive and supportive that it inspires me to keep creating.
That January day I wrote on a page in my journal “Good Things in 2012” and started to list the positive things that were starting to happen and that list has grown to the point that I’ve had to add a second page, all of this I attribute to having a positive outlook and desire to see good in the world.
The general principle behind positive thinking is simple, that through the law of attraction, if you give out positive energy and thoughts in your life those exact things will be returned to you. Happiness inspires happiness, kindness leads to kindness and so on. I’m sure that some of you are probably rolling your eyes or thinking that I expect the world to live in an ideal manner but the whole meaning behind this post and in talking about this is to hopefully continue to share a sense of positivity and happiness.
One of my personal mantras and favourite quotes is one which states: “You Must Be The Change You Wish To See In The World.” I have taken this advice so much to heart that I have it in ink on my wrist to remind me that the only change that I can make is the one through my own mind, my own heart and my own hands. If I want the world to be a more accepting place, I need to be that accepting place, if I want people to see a more whimsical side to the world, I need to be someone who creates that. Those three simple words, Be The Change, have done just that…..changed my life.
A few years ago I found myself at a point in my life where I wasn’t too sure of who I was or what I wanted, I didn’t know where I belonged in the world. Then, through my involvement with The Otesha Project, I began to see that instead of waiting to see where life was going to take me, I needed to become the captain of my own ship and steer it in the direction I wanted. Ever since that first cycling trip I’ve attempted to become that change that I wanted. Through positive thinking I feel that I’ve been able to grow into the person that I wanted to be, someone who believes in the power of the human spirit, someone who believes in community and the goodness in people and someone who creates to not only express myself but also to provide an opportunity for others to feel happy.
Almost every day I think about how lucky I am to have the ability to express myself in the way that I do, I’m eternally thankful for the support of you and for the motivation and encouragement that I feel from the world every single day. The world is good place filled with beautiful and kind people and I’m determined to keep it that way 🙂
Here’s a few video clips to hopefully make you smile 🙂
Do you believe in the power of positive thinking or the law of attraction?
great post! i absolutely love your photography and am so happy to hear that you share my views on law of attraction and the power of positive thinking!
great post… I believe photography and blogging has put me on a right path and things are gonna just get better..
Very uplifting…and love the photos!
I’ve been a big believer that a persons viewpoint of the world makes the world they are in.
I did a couple pictures about that – but here’s one I’m most proud of – Making Reality
http://www.flickr.com/photos/michael_harold/6137189761/in/photostream
I’m always amazing when people turn away from something positive because they don’t believe something good can happen for them.
You are one of the most positive people I know – and it’s coming back to you in waves of goodness!
So happy for you!
Thanks for the good thoughts : )
i have a hard time believing in anything. i always read about how “you need to be the captain of your life” etc. and i want to do that but i always slip back into thinking there is no way i am ever going to get where i want to. being lazy and procrastinating are much more satisfying…….. except they’re not, not at all. anyway, thank you for this post! it was really nice and inspiring. 🙂
I certainly believe in this! I wouldn’t say I’m 100% there yet but I’m see changes everyday from my positive attitude! Are you the passenger or the driver is what I like to remind myself of when I get upset or disheartened!
This post is warm and empowering. Thanks.
– Josh from Rocky Mountain ’07
actually, this post inspired me so much, along with continuing to read and follow you – amazed by your photography which is can only wish to aspire to – that i got my OWN “be your own change” attitude, reflection and even tattoo!!! truly thankul and FOREVER FOLLOWING>>> 🙂 kim