The Little Engine That Could
Children's stories are such a fabulous and intriguing tool when we are trying to teach our little ones a life skill. National Positive Thinking Day is Friday, September 13. The day was introduced in 2003 by an American Entrepreneur to celebrate the benefits of positive thinking. Positive thinking has a domino effect on every aspect of our health and lives.
A favorite one of mine to share with the children is "The Little Engine That Could." The little engine whose responsibility it was to get the toys over the mountains. He doubted himself. But with determination and positive thinking, citing his mantra all the way "I think I can. I think I can." he huffed and puffed climbing that enormous mountain to the drop and what a celebration on the other side. "I thought I could. I thought I could." with the biggest smile on his face and his friends cheering. It is so true that you bring about what you think about. The little blue engine persevered, fed his brain positive energy and thoughts convincing himself that this task was none too big for him. Think of the self esteem and confidence he built while struggling to the top. He met the challenge head on and never gave up. He believed!!
I asked one of our 5 year olds what "positive thinking" meant. From his perspective his answer was, "You think you can do it!" We all can. We can all meet the challenges and adversities head on conquering whatever lies in our path. We learn. We become stronger. We become better. Guaranteed it is not always easy but there are tips out there to help us be positive thinkers.
1. Start each day with a positive affirmation. Something that you are good at saying it out loud.
2. Focus on all of the good things no matter how small.
3. Find the humor in all situations.
4. Turn failures into lessons. It's amazing what we can learn from the hardest moments in our lives.
5. Positive self talk. No negativity allowed.
6. Focus on the present.
7. Surround yourself with positive and supportive friends, co-workers and mentors.
Positive thinking is powerful. Let's build our children's power each and every day through:
1. Talking with them allowing them to verbalize the events of the day.
2. Be a positive thinker yourself.
3. Be your child's biggest fan.
4. Do a victory dance for all of the accomplishments.
5. Positive Affirmations - "I am strong. I am smart. I can do anything!"
6. Make a Love Wall - a wall with pictures and reminders of what they are good at and what they like about themselves and their lives.
Positive thinking is huge. A quote from Norman Vincent Peale, "Change your thoughts and you can change your world."
Share with us your favorite activity to build your child's positive thinking.
