Power of words can never be underestimated
by
Neville Parker |
A chat with a friend goes a long way in lifting one’s morale
The World Book of Happiness, featured recently in an article in the Daily Mail, is the outcome of the author Leo Bormans drawing together research and discoveries of the world’s leading experts on the psychology of happiness. A few of the 12 secrets to happiness are ‘accept what you have’, ‘enjoy what you do’, ‘live for today’ and ‘think positive’. The self-help industry spawning books, programmes, inspirational talks has flourished in recent years, finding markets worldwide for their brand of universal philosophy. While the concept has been criticised by many, there is no doubt that it is a huge draw for the distressed, the anxious, the discouraged and many other sections of society struggling to maintain a sense of equilibrium in the chaos of the modern world. Even if the effects of such books and words do not stay for a long time, they provide one with a renewed sense of hope and encouragement. The power of words can never be underestimated in any situation. A chat with a friend goes a long way in resurrecting one’s morale if it has been a depressing day. Similarly a few printed words, loaded with positivity, can be of tremendous help in changing one’s mood.
Cynics dismiss a lot of self-help material as simplistic rhetoric, but sometimes simplicity can save the day where a complex analysis and breaking down of the situation can’t. A popular Hollywood film The pursuit of Happyness starring Will Smith, is a beautiful example of how the simple things in life are what matter the most, and how struggling with a positive attitude against the odds will eventually bear fruit. The protagonist struggles with poverty and the difficulties of bringing up a child single handedly, with no proper place to live and a promising job but one that doesn’t pay at first. He never gives up hope in himself and the future, a trait that sees him through much. Positive thinking can in the long run lead to spiritual and moral upliftment, if one focuses on the good and remains in good cheer against all odds. It is extremely difficult in the face of grief, disappointment, ill health, poverty and other problems to remain positive but the human mind is a powerful thing, and its ability to change one’s mood and consequently one’s life for the better cannot be doubted. If a simple smile can alter your attitude and that of people around you, there is no mountain too high for positivity to climb. Whereas going around with a sour face and constantly harbouring negative emotions has never helped anyone, either in the long or short run.
Self-help books will no doubt continue to receive flak for as long as they continue to be published, but they are in essence the precursors of a positive existence. It’s not always easy to look within oneself for the answer; outside influences like books and friends and conversations are of immense help. Creating a healthy positive atmosphere at home and the workplace will show immediate results. Sharing a positive thought or idea always helps. As far as worrying is concerned, it’s not easy to stop or even think about stopping. But perhaps concentrating on the present, as much as possible, and trying to be happy and bring happiness to those around us, will bring some semblance of comfort - and see us through our problems.
Oman Tribune |
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