I am a firm believer in the power of POSITIVITY! No, I am not naive enough to think that if you are just happy enough, things will fall in your lap. However, I do think when you are *working* towards a goal it is important to get a healthy dose of positive energy to keep you motivated! I know that during the course of my weight loss attempts, it is easy for me to get down on myself and slip into thinking "if only I were like this..." or "if only I had done this in past...I was such a screwup!". And that kind of thinking only hinders our efforts! An important part of getting healthy is getting mentally healthy! So I decided to create this thread for people to post (if they want to) something positive: something you like about yourself, something kind you did for someone else or something kind someone else did for you, a healthy choice you made today, an inspiring quote, etc. You can post whatever you want (as long as it's positive)! I hope this thread grows and becomes a little haven for positivity, an oasis from the messages of negativity the advertising industry bombs us with each day.

My positive thing for today is that I created a self-esteem playlist! Some of the songs are Video by India.Arie, Born This Way by Lady Gaga, Firework by Katy Perry, Strong Enough by Cher, I Get Knocked Down by chumbawumba, and Fearless by Taylor Swift. Whenever I am feeling down on myself and my life and want to start stuffing my face with junk, I want to start this playlist, maybe jump in the bath or hot tub, and relax a little bit. It's helpful to remind myself that I DESERVE healthy, nourishing foods!

I'm a HUGE believer in positivity. I've recently noticed how many very successful people preach positivity.

I was watching Wimbledon recently and the announcer described Roger Federer as "Pathologically Optimistic." Its now a goal of mine to be Pathologically Optimistic.

I try to spend 10-15 min each day focusing on things I'm grateful for after I run. It makes a HUGE difference.

I LOVE this thread idea! In my opinion, positivity breeds a sort of confidence and inner strength that really empowers weight loss.

I had a positive experience today: the office secretary commented that it looks like I've been working out and looking trimmer. It had been a while since I'd received a compliment on looking more svelte, so it was really nice to hear.

Yay, I'm glad some people responded! I was worried this thread would get sucked into "the void" and my little positivity haven wouldn't get off the ground.

scarlett- lol, I like "pathologically optimistic"

furnace- that's great! It's SO awesome hearing reinforcement of all our efforts.

I adore this thread!! There is one song I always listen to whenever I'm feeling down or like I'll never be what I want to be. It's called Imperfect is the New Perfect by Caitlin Crosby. It's really a beautiful, kinda popish song that always manages to cheer me up!

This thread is a fantastic idea! Has anyone read "Learned Optimism" by Martin Seligman? I found that book really inspiring.

Learned Optimism on Amazon

Erika

I believe positive thinking is important for weight loss as well. (So I'm gonna aim for three. )

1. For example, I used to get dragged down when people might say, "I only lose ONE pound this week.. it's awful." Because frankly, that's my usual max per week! But now, not even that can bring me down. I'm quite happy to be losing anything!

2. Today I'm having a maintenance day, because frankly my body and mind are starved. I've decided it's really important not to hate on myself for it, because it's all just part of the process. If I can learn to love the process, then it wont matter how long it takes.

3. I had a realization today. It wasn't pleasant to me at first, but that's always an opportunity to practice positive thinking. After doing some calculations, I realized I had what's deemed a small frame. I always thought it was medium, or even large! But then I realized I only think that because a) it looks wide from the front angle, and b) it was an excuse to carry extra pounds. Now I realize my "ideal" weight is a little lower than someone with a medium frame. But you know what? It makes sense now. I realize eating less is just right for my frame. I don't have excuses anymore... but it clicks, makes sense, and that motivates me. I can now envision a lifestyle that's right for me, instead of just following my family.

This thread is a wonderful idea! As it is just barely past midnight where I am, I'm going to have to try and make today an especially positive one!!

And Eusebius, you're the second person who has mentioned that book, I feel like I should really go and find it now!!

Great thread It can be so easy to be miserable, life can constantly try to keep us in that state, I think actively trying to be positive and thankful for even the smallest of things can do wonders for you.
I love articles by Diane Petrella on weight loss and positivity and mental wellbeing.

Very true, its all about perspective-I can be honest about myself that things are/aren't so great in my life BUT I can decide whether I will be negative in reaction and think that I shouldn't bother to work towards something better OR positive and find a solution to my problems.
Positive thing-I have been coming up with an agenda and strategies to work towards my biggest goals-grad school and weight, while balancing that with the life I live now. When I do the things listed in my weekly plans, I should be able to reach my goals by this fall. It will be painful now, but rewarding in the future-as are most of the great things in life.

Astrild- ITA!!! Thanks for writing that down....I barely lose 1 pound a week, and I need to focus on the good aspects!

Something positive happened for me today! I finally got to my 5% weight loss goal and am half way to my 10% weight loss goal!

I've been lucky in that I lose about 2 to 3 lbs a week... but I'm sure that will change when I have less to lose. To me, any weight loss at all is amazing!

Agreed 100%. I'm positive almost to the point of arrogance when it comes to food and exercise. I know that with enough time, effort, and information, willpower really is the only thing I have to throw into the equation to achieve realistic goals.

Sure, countless things impact health/weight such as genes, past decisions, metabolism, and the like. Simply because I stick to a plan that was a good, honest attempt does NOT mean I will get the results I expected. But staying positive allows for a rational evaluation of the situation and makes it easier to attempt something else.

When the scale goes up even though my food intake is low/clean and I'm exercising frequently, I used to react by getting discouraged and upset with the process. However, it is simply not logical to expect that giving up and eating even more and exercising less will do any better! You aren't quick to give up on yourself if you are staying positive and keeping things in perspective.

Yay! I'm glad others like to bask in the power of positivity.

My positive thing for today is that I ate good food, went a little over my calories, but I don't feel guilty about a d*mned thing that I ate because it was all healthy! Mmmmm homemade pizza...