Joy Wizard » Positive Thinking

Has anyone ever ‘made’ you feel like nothing?

Alex Webley — Sat, 04 Dec 2010 05:06:21 +0000

Perhaps, back in your past, someone ‘made’ you feel like nothing. A parent, a teacher, a spouse, a friend?

Perhaps someone is still doing this to you.

If so, have a read about Willard Wigan MBE.

Willard Wigan is learning disabled and does not even know how to read or write, yet he has an MBE. Willard says that his childhood teachers made him feel small, like nothing. (They must have been such a bunch of creeps).

Willard Wigan is a gifted and creative individual; creator of the world’s smallest sculptures, which usually take months to complete. Willard works between heartbeats to avoid hand tremors! He achieves this by entering a meditative state. He paints the sculptures using a hair from a dead fly, which died of natural causes.

What a guy!

And his teachers were so wrong.

Willard turned an unpleasant and mentally damaging situation into a very positive one.

I know you will want to find out more; so here are the links:

Wikipedia – Willard Wigan

Willard Wigan’s Website

Interesting CNET article: Photos: Sculpture on the head of a pin

Enjoy!

Some readers may have wondered why I wrote the word made as ‘made’ in the first sentence of this post.

I did so because the truth is that no one makes you feel a certain way. YOU make YOURSELF feel like that.

For more information on this critical aspect of personal development check out this article on my website:

Nobody made you angry

Has anyone ever ‘made’ you feel like nothing? is a post from: Joy Wizard Blog

How to remain positive

Alex Webley — Wed, 20 Jan 2010 00:23:06 +0000

Remaining positive is not always an easy task. For some, it is very hard indeed. In some situations it is hard to see how anything positive can come out of them.

So how do we remain positive, even in difficult situations?

By taking a different approach than we may have come across before.

Same old methods produce same old results.

1) We need to accept that life can be tough and that as with life’s obvious laws such as gravity, there are other laws that we need to operate in harmony with. We may not know about them, or perhaps only be slightly aware; however they will still affect us.

2) We need to have an openness to learning truth and not want to hang onto thoughts or ways of doing things that hinder us.

3) A key life truth (law) in this instance is that life will affect us according to our thoughts (whether we believe it or not).

4) So when we have the urge to think negatively; the blunt truth is that doing so will make things worse. Guaranteed. Period.

5) The ONLY choice we have then is to look for a positive angle. The ONLY choice that is worthwhile.

6) Life is good. Life is great. Life is also tough. And shit happens.

7) Our CHOICE then is to to find a positive. Otherwise life WILL get tougher.

8) As this is a basic law of life, why bother to try and buck the system – go with the FLOW of life; not against it.

9) This article is only touching the surface of this subject and is quite simplified, however I hope you find it helpful in pointing yourself in the right direction. I will write more on the subject in due course.

How to remain positive is a post from: Joy Wizard Blog

Inspiring example of positive thinking

Alex Webley — Tue, 19 Jan 2010 10:22:13 +0000

Here is an example of someone turning an extremely negative and unpleasant situation into a positive one, and in the process deriving personal benefit, besides being a blessing to others.

Back in March 1945, W. Colvin Willams was on foot, walking behind a tank in France. When the tank hit a mine it exploded and Mr Williams was blinded permanently.

Clearly, this was a terrible thing and I am sure that many will agree that one’s sight is probably the most precious of all the senses.

Let us imagine the situation briefly now…

Darkness; welcome to your new world of touch and feel…….

Loss of sight is “personal world changing” in so many ways and one of the most obvious would be living in constant darkness. A whole new way of living would have to be learned and many people would find that the situation had a severe impact on their minds, of a mostly negative nature.

But not Mr Williams. The situation didn’t stop him from pursuing his goal to be a counsellor. When he graduated from college, with honours, Mr Williams stated that he thought his blindness “will actually be an asset in my career. I can never judge by appearances. Therefore, I can always give a person a second chance. My blindness keeps me from cutting myself off from a person because of the way he looks. I want to be the kind of person to whom anyone can come and feel secure, to express himself”

I think you will agree that this is a wonderful living example of the transformation of a bitterly cruel defeat into a great victory?

After all, defeat is only a state of mind, and nothing more.

When we are faced with a very difficult situation, and one which we cannot undo, we have a simple choice – we can either choose to look at the positive, or we can choose to dwell on the negative.

Our outcomes will be a direct result of the thinking we choose.

The example of Mr Williams graphically illustrates the point.

I have no doubt at all that Mr Williams lived a rich and satisfying life, complete with the happiness and joy that comes from helping other people. Personally I find his approach very inspiring, as I’m sure you will too.

I think we will all agree that it would have been very easy for Mr Williams to have felt very sorry for himself and fill his mind with negative thoughts. He could even have held a “pity party”, though few would have attended.

D.H. Lawrence wrote:

Self-Pity

I never saw a wild thing

sorry for itself.

A small bird will drop frozen dead from a bough

without ever having felt sorry for itself.

Inspiring example of positive thinking is a post from: Joy Wizard Blog

If you think you can't – you can't.

Alex Webley — Mon, 04 Jan 2010 10:02:40 +0000

Some of us may have read about this thinking business whereby if you think you can, then indeed you can. And vice versa.

How many of us can recall key examples of this in action?

Personally, I find real life examples inspiring and helpful. Especially if accompanied by images and a good background personal account.

So many of us feel sorry for ourselves – we complain (at least silently) at the slightest irritation or problem. We worry about what others think of us. We think stuff is just sooooo hard or difficult. We long for Friday.

To help us gain some perspective (a grip on truth and reality) we need to study the lives of those who truly have got something they could complain about, but don’t.

One such is former paratrooper Alistair Hodgson.

Have a read of this:

Reach for the sky: Paratrooper who lost his legs competes for Britain as one of the world’s best skydivers

I quote:

The 39-year-old is the British National Freestyle Skydiving Champion and in August will compete against able-bodied sportsmen and women for the world title.

When I come across someone truly inspiring I often do additional research. Accordingly, I came across this article:

Alistair Hodgson – Overcoming Obstacles

And again, I quote:

I asked him if he had one piece of knowledge to impart to his fellow skydivers, what would that be? He said: “If you think you can’t do something, you’re right, you can’t! Can’t isn’t something that I recognize in my vocabulary.”

What do you think about the obstacles and problems in your life?

You can.

What Manner Of Men Are These, That Wear The Maroon Beret?

They are firstly all volunteers and are toughened by physical training. As a result they have infectious optimism and that offensive eagerness which comes from well-being. They have ‘jumped’ from the air and by doing so have conquered fear.

Their duty lies in the van of the battle. They are proud of this honour. They have the highest standards in all things whether it be skill in battle or smartness in the execution of all peace time duties. They are in fact – men apart – every man an emperor.

Of all the factors, which make for success in battle, the spirit of the warrior is the most decisive. That spirit will be found in full measure in the men who wear the maroon beret.

Field Marshall The Viscount Montgomery of Alamein

What kind of person are you?

If you think you can't – you can't. is a post from: Joy Wizard Blog

Recession is not bad! Be careful who you listen to and what you think.

Alex Webley — Mon, 28 Dec 2009 08:06:47 +0000

Many years ago I recall listening to an astute businessman who, during an official recession in the UK, had the attitude of ‘What recession?’

The guy was not in denial, he simply refused to join the recession bandwagon and let it pollute his thoughts. Yes, pollute his thoughts.

Sir Richard Branson, a billionaire and one of the world’s top business people, is not worried about the ‘recession’ or global downturn either. In fact Sir Richard believes that the depth of this recession and its impact on once-impregnable industries has presented entrepreneurs with their greatest opportunity in generations!

Read what he has to say here:

Don’t be gloomy; the time is just right to be like me

For those who are tempted to think that they could not be like Sir Richard and make a success of their ventures I say that you are correct. The reason you are correct however is due to your own thinking.

It’s really simple. Your thinking determines your outcome.

We do not have a recession problem – we have a thinking problem.

It is time to stop the fear mentality and get on with creating.

Are you a wimp?

Conceive, believe and do.

Stop watering and nurturing your fear weeds today. Pour on the mental weed killer and go, go, go.

Recession is not bad! Be careful who you listen to and what you think. is a post from: Joy Wizard Blog

Positive thinking is not optional. Life says so.

Alex Webley — Sun, 27 Dec 2009 10:58:13 +0000

This article is a brief one; and designed to home in on a key truth.

If you really and genuinely believe in the law of attraction, sowing and reaping, or anything similar, then it follows that you are more likely to realize that positive thinking is not optional. Negative thoughts bring negative results. This is a basic law of the Universe and it works whether we believe in it or not – just as the law of gravity does.

If you claim to believe in the laws I have mentioned, but have trouble grasping this aspect of positive thinking, then I suggest that you might not really believe in the law of attraction or sowing and reaping deep down; and that you’re more likely to have what is called a “head belief” rather than a heart belief. Heart beliefs are the essence of who you really are. (Head belief is a mental assent to an an idea or doctrine, but a belief which does not permeate your being).

Hard truths perhaps, but do we want to embrace truth and grow or are we going to live in a dim twilight funk – like multitudes of people?

If we look diligently enough, we can always find a positive even in the most dire situation. In those situations which are truly terrible beyond measure, we are not of course minimizing the effects or impacts, however we can’t change the past. If we dwell on all the negatives, life will get worse, so the sooner we start to look for a positive the better. As time passes it will become a habit – our minds will develop new pathways where we start to look for a positive no matter what. In the end it will become much easier, as it becomes natural.

A thankful, grateful heart goes hand in hand with positive thinking – it is much easier to see the positive when we have a habitual thankful and grateful attitude. How grateful are you?

Life can be tough in the sense that it cannot violate the laws of nature – the laws of the natural order. The more we home in on finding out what these are and living in harmony with them, the easier and richer life becomes. Whether it is a “tough” choice or not.

We have a choice either to be a denier of truth or someone who embraces it.

So which are you?

PS: The law of attraction, sowing and reaping are much more complex than they at first might appear. How did I get such bad parents for example? Discussion of this type of thing is beyond the scope of this blog article.

Positive thinking is not optional. Life says so. is a post from: Joy Wizard Blog

Personal thoughts on health and an allergy.

Alex Webley — Sun, 27 Dec 2009 10:17:32 +0000

Earlier this year I developed an allergy which resulted in Hives/Urticaria. Today I have it under control and rarely have to take antihistamines (partly because I have discovered the triggers (food/drink based and Somac – a prescribed medication).

The allergy situation has been a nuisance, and at times very debilitating. At one stage things started to get serious – puffy lips and Adrenaline injection etc. I will be adding more about my experiences to this blog in due course.

The whole situation has had a very positive effect on me in a number of ways, not all of which I will detail here.

Besides being more grateful for good health; my mind, spirit, psyche have been strengthened. It has also been a good opportunity to be reminded of how many people suffer, especially the elderly. (At one stage my hands were incredibly itchy and painful – similar I expect to arthritis).

I enjoy very good health and my immune system is very strong. This has been the case for many years now and I cannot remember when I last had a virus (apart from an unusual inner ear thing which caused vertigo in 98, and was probably related to my inner ear nerve damage). It may be as long ago as the late 80′s since I had a virus. I have had the odd bacterial infection over the period however and a few other non viral health issues. I distinctly recall that my colds and Flu stopped when I decided I was not going to be ill – this was back in the UK in either the late 80′s or early 90′s. In the last 5-6-7 years or so I have also been having Flu vaccinations because I also believe in doing what I logically can to support health.

The decision ‘not to get ill’ I have no doubt has contributed to my good health. My subconscious has also been clear of any desire to be ill for many years. The mind is a powerful thing. Hopefully my experiences will inspire others to at least start thinking more positively.

I would also add that my decision not to be ill is also associated with very strong emotion from very deep within. Perhaps there is some connection with the general healing principle suggested in my article Shamanism and Personal Development. Some of this kind of stuff is edgy in the sense that it is on the periphery of our knowledge and understanding. A key focus for me is that which works. And it does. I am a Private Investigator with a very factual mindset and frankly I would be crazy if I disbelieved all the things I have personally experienced.

My forte is in the area of mind healing (which also affects the physical) as opposed to physical healing. I have developed low to moderate physical healing ability. I am working on developing it further and this allergy thing has served to deepen my compassion for others. You see, being so well and happy has tended to make me become disconnected somewhat from suffering unless I channel it.

I have benefited in many other ways from this allergy. Overall it has been a very positive experience.

PS: If you are someone who has trouble believing in the spiritual dimension then I suggest you have a read of this article I wrote. As someone concerned only to dwell on facts you owe it to yourself to be sure.

Personal thoughts on health and an allergy. is a post from: Joy Wizard Blog

Courage and Resilience

Alex Webley — Sun, 27 Dec 2009 09:38:36 +0000

Courage can be defined as the ability to face fears with our heads held high. It is not the absence of fear which defines bravery. In fact, people experience fear everyday, and sometimes are even paralyzed by it. We are allowed to feel emotions such as fear. In fact, we should! Otherwise, we wouldn’t be human if we were immune to many types of emotions, not all of which are pleasant. We all have the potential for heroism, and in our own ways, we can show that we are willing to face all the trials that life throws at us.

The opportunity to be courageous is inside of us all and we are given many opportunities where we can practice this. We sometimes do everything we can to avoid these uncomfortable situations. As we face the Goliath of our inner David, we get scared of the unknown and of the possibility that we will lose. Some of us feel that we can’t help but flinch and run away. That is why, in times of fearful crisis we need to know that there are things around us that can help us. We have to know that we all have the innate ability to summon all our strength and stand our ground.

Here are just a few tips that may help us along the way:

1. We have to know what support we have, and use it. Fear can rule us and paralyze us if we let it. Then, instead of facing something manageable, we face a puffed up illusion of the fear. We have to realize that we can always have someone or something to lean on. Perhaps ask the people in our lives to help us through the ordeal, no matter how small or big it is. Our insecurities may be so huge in our minds that issues can seem insurmountable; but the only way we can overcome them is to face them and push ourselves towards them. If we have people we can count on, they may help us get some true perspective, or assist us in other ways. This is not to say that we forgo all our responsibilities and let other people handle all of it. We have to know that we still must go through with things, but having a supportive person in our lives can make a world of difference.

If we are religious, or spiritual, then prayer or some other spiritual activity may help. Even people who claim to be atheists are known to pray when the plane is going down!

2. We need to learn to discover what’s beyond our comfort zone and push those boundaries outwards. When we have to confront something, there is an element of risk of the unknown. If there are risks involved, it does not mean we have to let go of our plans simply because we do not know what could happen. The more we confront the fear, the easier our lives become. Risks are always around. If we always give up, we will digress and destroy our lives. What will make us stronger is our ability to always get up every time we fall.

3. We need to face life with optimism. We have to appreciate that there are things that are beyond our control. We need to accept this fact and change the way we respond to situations. Instead of letting situations bring us down, we must find ways to make them work to our advantage. This takes practice, but once we are able to alter our attitude, we will see that life does not throw us problems that we can’t handle.

4. We may need to consider obtaining some deep inner healing to resolve deep seated fear roots. Some fears can only be resolved by specialized intervention. A halfway house treatment can be special conditioning often used by psychologists which does not get rid of the fear, but does help alter a person’s response/reactions. For permanent deep release from fear appropriate inner healing methods are usually required. If you want more information on this please let me know here.

Courage and resilience go hand in hand and produce healthy personal growth. Nature has gifted us with the ability to adapt. It is now up to us to discover how to use it.

Finally, have a think about this concept and how you can apply it to your own life:

One day, Mr & Mrs Courage were relaxing in their lounge room when there was a knock on the door. A guy called Mr Quaking Fear was outside hoping to gain admittance. Mr Courage answered the door and there was no one there. You see, we are all multi faceted personalities. We all have different personas to suit differing situations. When Mr Courage answered the door, Mr Quaking Fear disappeared because there was no room for him in the presence of courage. Simply speaking, when fear knocks on the door of your life don’t let it in. It will poison your psyche. Oh yeah….it’s infectious too!

Courage and Resilience is a post from: Joy Wizard Blog

Woe is me! Pity party anyone?

Alex Webley — Sun, 27 Dec 2009 09:31:27 +0000

When times are tough, as with the current economic recession, it is often easy to give in to depression and constantly moan about the woes of life. There are so many worries to constantly think and moan about: bills to pay, family to care for, and so on. The problems never end. The fact is, they never do! As you make your journey through life, you will always encounter barriers and hurdles. These are trials which can, if handled the right way, test your strength and improve your will. Rather than simply give up and cry, moan or get depressed about your frustrations, you may want to look around you and see that no one is exempt from problems.

Self pity may get you sympathy at first, but if this is a repetitive behavior, don’t be surprised if you lose friends along the way. When you’ve become the black hole for energy, people will avoid you like a plague. No one wants to be surrounded with sadness, and no one can take a whiner for too long a period. You have yet to meet the person who never struggles with frustration. This comes with the territory of being human. It is not wrong to be frustrated, but it is how we handle our frustration that counts. Just remember – few people come to pity parties and those that do, usually don’t stick around for long.

One of the most effective ways to change how you react to negativity is to change how you see it and what you do about it. Self pity is a shortcut to the path of destruction. When you give in to depression, you are basically saying that you don’t have it in you to solve the problem. In fact, you are just aggravating the situation. You yell, curse, and cry, yet the problem still remains unsolved. And don’t I know this. I used to suffer from terrible depression, way beyond the norm – parts of it were so deep that I had moved beyond depression into that of repression.

On the other hand, a more productive solution would be to view frustration is as a chance for improving your abilities to solve the problem. If you get frustrated, try to have an outlet. Go talk to a friend, visit a specialist, or pound that hammer away in your garage. You need to let it out and find a way to express your explosive emotions rather than keep them locked inside. If this is your constant practice, expect the dam to break sooner or later. Instead, ask yourself what the possible solutions are. The thing about self-pity is that if you can’t get others to feel sorry for you, you can always just feel sorry for yourself; but honestly – what good will it do you?

Pity parties are usually always a party of one because no one wants to be on the guest list. Just know that when you catch yourself in this state, you tend to lose perspective. You lose sight of the big picture and will be unable to spot the solution that may just be right under your nose. When you are too caught up in your problems, you’ll be too busy to even notice the faintest flicker of hope.

You must find ways to bounce back. Be the victor, not the victim. Life is a marathon, and your goal should be not to win it all the time. Instead, you need to focus on your running and learning not to quit. Instead of making excuses on your failure, you must learn to get back up and let your creative juices flow so that you can achieve what you want most. Have a worthwhile goal, one that deserves a spot in your loved ones’ minds. If your life were a book, let it fall under the inspirational category.

Woe is me! Pity party anyone? is a post from: Joy Wizard Blog

What are you planting in your head?

Alex Webley — Fri, 04 Dec 2009 10:27:10 +0000

“Whatever we plant in our subconscious mind and
nourish with repetition and emotion will
one day become a reality.”
— Earl Nightingale

What are you planting in your head?

Whether we like it or not, laws of the universe such as the above will take effect simply because they exist. Just like the law of gravity.

Be careful what you think about, especially repeatedly, and when you feel emotional.

Your mind is more powerful than you might think. Misused, it can be very injurious to your life.

What are you planting in your head? is a post from: Joy Wizard Blog

Joy Wizard » Positive Thinking

Has anyone ever ‘made’ you feel like nothing?

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How to remain positive

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Inspiring example of positive thinking

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If you think you can't – you can't.

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Recession is not bad! Be careful who you listen to and what you think.

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Positive thinking is not optional. Life says so.

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Personal thoughts on health and an allergy.

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Courage and Resilience

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Woe is me! Pity party anyone?

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