In the post that follows I will be focusing upon my favourite species of writer; the POSITIVE THINKERS or AKA the Preachers of the new religion. I will be featuring the genre of writing these Preachers like to churn out in abundance; with little prior thought attached.
Yet, there will be those amongst you who no doubt categorise POSITIVE THINKING posts as being logical, soul-saving, invigorating, inspiring and enlightening. I am however doubtful (as ever), that the positive words contained in such writing could truly provide guidance to anyone. They may claim to give us inspiration and hope to right our miserable lives and achieve wonders, but I wonder whether such writing only creates a population of unhappy and discontented people.
I believe that POSITIVE THINKERS, and their positive writing styles encourage others to feel as though they have somehow missed out on something wonderful, and are in short, failures. From this people react; becoming self-obsessed, frustrated and materialistic in their search for life’s deserved glory to be dispensed upon them somehow. Yet, all of this surface sheen and slippery slope to pretension is deemed to be a higher state of being by the POSITIVE THINKING BRIGADE; sad but true.
“It takes more than a few ideas, hopes and little to no effort to go from a just a dream to reality. It’s important to clearly state and write down your dreams or goals this is a vital step. Then create a plan and hold your self accountable for deadlines you have given yourself”.
“Our thoughts become reality”. Simply said, our mind naturally manifests things into existence if we truly believe in them. Visualization is one of the best ways to make your dreams come to fruition”.
Above is so typical of the positive thinking prose. It PREACHES a new world religious order dedicated to the church of positive thinking. IS THIS proposition LOGICAL though? Should we also engage in casting some spells, and perform mystical rituals while we dance around an Oak tree naked? Just believe Brothers and Sisters and all will be well with the world; just close your eyes and wish yourself a better life. Is there a pair of ruby slippers on hand too by chance?
There is apparently NO EXCUSE either (other than the laws of logic and the premise of something called – reality) to achieving this magical wonder of new and fantastical existence:
“So for those who sit around making excuses about how they can’t reach their dream or goal. I want you to ask yourself a question is your excuse really worth going through a life time of regret wishing you would have followed your dream?”
Here we go again, brow beating and admonishing in a preaching and condescending tone; linked apparently to this person’s improved wisdom and backbone. This person has achieved the wonderful life, so let us all kneel in awe.
I have to state, as I have done so before; I DON’T AGREE with regrets (stone me to death now). We do what we do because we feel it is the right thing at that time; all of which amounts to worthwhile life experiences. Life IS NOT necessarily just about COUNTABLE ACHIEVEMENTS WHICH SEEMS TO BE SYNONYMOUS WITH MATERIAL GAINS. How is this helping anyone other than trying to give the reader an inferiority complex or hunger for avarice?
Also, if there are NO EXCUSES, where are yours Mr or Miss Writer? You haven’t enlightened us humble nobodies as to how such things are quantifiable or achievable. My advice; what about producing a how-to-guide on this one; might make you some money for the old yarn you are spinning.
Can I ask, as no one else seems to; what is the big secret to all of this creation of a wonderful life by mere thought alone – if it is so possible? Questioning the truth and honesty of these fantastical claims are NEVER answered, merely ignored.
The apparent processes to results are thus……………
“Focusing on the process allows you to view setbacks or failures as opportune to learn and improve. It may sound cliché (add in by me: yes it does) but it is true failure can become our biggest teachers. I remember when I first started writing there were countless number of people would say I could never be a writer and my dreams were silly and my writing style was filled with misspellings, grammar mistake’s and grammatical errors (add in by me: has this changed?) Those negative comments just fueled (add in by me: what is this?) my work ethic and made me work harder than I ever did before to improve my skills and to prove them wrong”
Mr or Miss Writer your skills include turning over the same well-trodden ground as a hundred other people before and after you. It is boring and mundane spiel that is merely deemed to be safe and happy; all in the aid of wracking up those ‘likes’.
How do you really feel and what do you really do – those are things I’d like to know. Are you on cloud nine every second of every day? Perpetual positivity and happiness is just not the normal human condition; we all fail and flounder sometimes, and become angry, deflated, upset and frustrated!
I also wonder why is it that those who question this positive writing and associated ideas, are subjected to the seventh circle of Hell from those who lap this type of material up as gospel. They can speak their minds, but Heaven forbid I speak mine and don’t blindly concur with them.
“Do you fantasize about how your life would be if you make your dreams a reality? (Add in by me: no I fantasize about how wonderful life truly would be minus rubbish like this). Often people avoid following a specific dream because it will takes years to achieve what they want. I want to encourage anybody reading this follow their dreams and passions (add in by me: bravo – give that person a medal or The Nobel Peace Prize). Whatever your vision, there’s no time like the present to put your big ideas into action (add in by me: throw caution to the wind – sod the bills and whatever else just go for it). Comment below what your dream is & if you like this please share!”
Yes, please do share this – with the bin. Have these POSITIVE PREACHERS NEVER EXPERIENCED A HICCUP IN THEIR PERSONAL LIVES – EVER?! There is NO HINT as to what or how this person achieved whatever it is they achieved; if they even achieved it. The insult to injury is the fact this person actually encourages that this motivational idiosyncrasy is spread like a destructive wildfire just so they can then hear; “Wow, you and your words are fabulous”, “So inspirational”.
Why is it fabulous? What has this person revealed or stated that is so fabulous, so mind-blowing, so inspirational and so unique? People like it because everyone else likes it; popular merely creates popular just like the story of the Emperor’s New Clothes. Everyone then JUMPS ON THE BANDWAGON hoping to get a piece of the pie.
The ordinary and reality facing us all in life is once again frowned upon, and displayed as unworthy and somehow just not good enough. Or, worse still not taken seriously and dismissed, because one thought alone can dispel such hardships; ill-health, homelessness, murder and so on will then go away forever. Didn’t you know EVERYONE should be (through some innate entitlement) become the Astronaut, Pilot, Actor, Lawyer, Writer, Artist – everyone deserves fame and accolades, and EVERYONE WILL achieve them. Will they though?
We are setting the world up for huge failure here. No wonder Psychologists have huge waiting lists, and everyone is so disappointed that they have to work and live in the real world! It is very like those Quack Doctors who used to sell life purifying cure all’s at the 19th century carnival side shows. They were likeable fellows I am sure, and a colourful charade which was purely meant to titillate their audiences, but NO ONE TOOK THEM SERIOUSLY (well, at least not now in the 21st century)!
Put the word POSITIVE before something, and suddenly it becomes gospel, the new word from God. It makes me laugh though, as these people probably would be reviled at the thought of God and shun the idea of Heaven or Hell, and yet haven’t they read their own (if it is their own) words? It reminds me of religious dogma and those that peddle this thinking positive craze are actually zealots. They refuse to see any other way of life or thinking, and certainly won’t accept any another view point; as we all have to convert to their faith.
Finally I did leave one of my own thoughts (as below) for this person; meant in jest and yes I was being sarcastic. The sentiment was wasted though as they didn’t realise this; so full of their own self-importance:
“It never ceases to amaze me how thinking positively and visualising your dreams alone can be responsible for changing so many people’s lives; wow. It must be some sort of miracle, and I think there should definitely be a way to bottle this, and market it to the general populace. Lives would change in moments! Thanks for posting this – utter revelation and I for one am a convert”.
The person in question actually had the audacity to like my comment, and so too did three of their readership or worshippers. I shall say no more except; is it the blind leading the blind or what?
The Savvy Senorita 
Intriguing. My curiosity, based on the argument you’re making, is what might you see as a purpose in life? Not that I necessarily disagree with the premise you’re making here (This entire post isn’t sarcasm, is it?), but it seems….hmmm…I’m not sure how to word it…but it seems to pointment to an idea that any belief is false. And I say that as a proponent of the idea that belief and knowledge are vastly different, but only separated by a thin line.
Thanks for reading and leaving me a comment. I will answer your questions as follows; the purpose of life is to live it within the realm of reality, not suspend living until positive affirmations come to fruition. No, I am not entirely being sarcastic either. I am making a comparison between one set of beliefs and another, likening positive thinking to a religion; which it has almost become for some people. It depends on the belief doesn’t it. We may all believe we will become rock stars or billionaires, but reality often dictates this is a false assumption. Knowledge is based on facts, and belief is based on hopes and desires. Not founded in any grounds of reality or possibility (necessarily). Perhaps this explanation will answer your questions. I too see this as an intriguing topic. Mainly though I find it a perplexing topic; I am not sure why people find truth so difficult to digest. They deny it, and then hope for a better life when they cannot face what is and deal with it. Thanks again, Bex .
“..We may all believe we will become rock stars or billionaires, but reality often dictates this is a false assumption..”
I think I just fell in love…lmao.
I’m always saying this – it’s the largest lie my generation has been told: “You can be anything you want, if you put your mind to it.” It pisses me off, because there is a lot of chance involved, as well.
I get what you’re saying here, now; I hope I didn’t sound adversarial, I just enjoy a good conversation.
No, not at all – I suppose I am somewhat to the point in my response, but I can’t help it. Well thank you, and I appreciate your love for the truth! It pisses me off too, and yes, no one mentions the huge risk and heartbreak often involved (funny that isn’t it)? Thanks again for reading and contributing; I too love a good conversation – so don’t apologise.