I was listening to a podcast this morning which asserted people with positive attitudes were not realists. The host continued that people need to be realists and know that a positive attitude changes nothing.

I don’t think positive thinking can make a cancer diagnosis disappear or make a financial crisis disappear. This thinking is unrealistic thinking  but more appropriately termed denial. It has nothing to do with positive thinking or attitude. I do believe that positive thinking allows you to have hope.

I had a dream to be a nurse practitioner and discovered Duquesne was starting a program that fit my schedule. I kept a positive attitude during my interview and was able to articulate this in my interview for the program. I do feel this assisted me in getting into the program and accomplishing my goals.

I was also ready to purchase my home. I did think positively and related this to my mortgage lender. He was extremely impressed and I truly believe the attitude helped my application be approved. My mortgage agent had a major role in the application approval or rejection. At the time I applied, mortgage applications for middle age females were greatly scrutinized.

At work, I always leave my personal problems at the doorstep and put a smile on my face. Is that being unrealistic-I think not. I know my problems are still there but the people I see each day do not need a negative person who is self consumed with their problems. Many of my patients have pain and are anxious at the thought of surgery. I feel it is my obligation to make them as comfortable as possible.

In my daily life I try to surround myself with positive people. I don’t think these people distort reality but can often add a perspective when I am under stress or have a problem  that seems insurmountable.

I would be interested in your thoughts on the power of positive thinking.