An increasing number of medical practitioners are now accepting that it’s altogether possible to die from a broken heart. What they are acknowledging is the inextricable link between heart and head; the mental and the physical.
The state of mind has a direct impact on the quality of health. We are what we think. As a direct result buried, ignored or suppressed negative emotions can manifest themselves in illness and pain. The hurt we are feeling goes hand-in-hand with the hurt we are thinking. At its extreme death can be the result.
It makes sense, therefore, that – wherever and whenever possible – we should attempt to think positively. We should deal with our emotions and not ignore them. We should get to know ourselves, love ourselves and work to improve our coping mechanisms. That takes considerable effort in a world which encourages us to think about physical health but generally ignores emotional and mental wellbeing.
There’s no shortage of plans aimed at helping us lose a few kilos or improve our strength. Beauty tips abound. The emphasis is on the physical, rarely on the psychological.
A positive attitude isn’t the answer to everything. It will not be possible to think our way out of many of the circumstances we will encounter. All the goodwill in the world will not be enough to prevent some inevitabilities.
And yet life’s journey can be made more enjoyable if we look for the light; make an effort to find the good; turn a negative into a positive; grin and bear it.
The first step is to get to know ourselves – our strengths and weakness; likes and dislikes. We must develop a convicted consciousness; an understanding of what we believe and why we believe it.
The next step is to accentuate the positives; work with determination and conviction on making ourselves the best possible version of ourselves. It really can be a wonderful life.
Gary Bentley Counselling 