I must say I am a somewhat negative, cynical person to the point where people have a hard time being around me at times. I however want to change and be more of an optimist and positive person. Has anyone had any luck transforming their thought process. I refuse to believe I have to be like this the rest of my life. Negative thoughts are so exhausting!

A book that realy helped me is 'Learned Optimism - How to Change Your Mind and Your Life' by Martin Seligman, PhD.

Also my psych. told me to put the image of a big red octogonal STOP sign in my mind when I was having negative thoughts. That would then give me time to stop and change my mindset. It took a while for me to get it to work. It's so easy to focus on the negative.

Good luck.

I know how you feel, I generally look at the worst of a situation. It's difficult to shake the thoughts out of your head sometimes.

I even worry about thins that are months away or totally out of my control!

I try telling myself that there's nothing I can do about it so why worry.

mike,
the quickest way to put an end to negative thoughts is to force yourself to write them down. carry a pad and pen w/you at all times. when you get a negative thought, write it down. trust me, after a few days of writing your pattern will change.

nd

Try positive affirmations.

I will think only postive thoughts.

There are several books avaialbe. Try the New Age section. They do work. It's tiring to repaet the same phrase over and over it again but it's worth it.

Healy