This document discusses the power of positive thinking and how it can help improve one's mood and well-being, especially during darker winter months. It notes that while we may not control external factors like the weather and seasons, we can control our thoughts and choose to focus on positives. Shifting to thinking in a more "glass half full" optimistic way and focusing on gratitude can make us feel better emotionally and physically by attracting more positive experiences. Research shows that optimistic thought patterns can produce good health because the mind cannot differentiate between reality and imagination. By changing one's thinking, one can change their life for the better even in darker times.

1. The Power of Positive Thought
We all experience periodsinourliveswheneverythingfeelsalittle heavieranddarker,whenwe just
cannot seemmusterthe energyor motivation to bring ourselves out of it. This can be especially so
at thistime of seasonal change,withthe weatherbecomingcolderandthe nightsbeginning to draw
in.
Whilst Autumn and Winter bring their own beauty, for many of us the prospect of the long dark
nights can feel like an endurance test, as we hanker for those light sunny mornings and evenings.
Even though it may seem never ending; inevitably winter makes way for spring and the evenings
become lighter again.
As I write this article, it occurs to me how seasonal change is like a metaphor for many of life’s
experiences.
Just like the weather, we may not always have control over what we are dealt, but we do have a
choice as to whether we use the experience to grow or hold ourselves back. This all begins with
shiftingoldhabitual negativethoughtpatternsto positive, more life affirming ones. 'Glass half full'
thinking. The more oftenyoumake a conscious choice to focus on the positives in your life and all
that you have to feel appreciative for – no matter how insignificant it may seem -the better you
begin to feel both emotionally and physically. When you feel good about life – you attract more
positive experiences and people to you.
Accordingto ProfessorMartinSeligmanPh.D.authorof the publicationLearned Optimism, over the
last30 years,laboratoriesaroundthe worldhave producedasteadyflow of evidencethatoptimistic
thought patterns can produce good health. Because our subconscious minds cannot differentiate
betweenrealityandimagination,whenwe fantasise aboutandreconnectwith happymemories and
positive experiences, areasare stimulated inboththe brainandbody,whichinturn have a beneficial
impact upon both our physical and mental wellbeing.
To quote Louise Hay,"By changingyourthinking – youcan change your life forthe better." By taking
this on board, as you as you move forward through the autumn and winter months, you can keep
your light shining bright on the inside even when it is dark on the outside.