I have found that if one counts his blessings and treats all people well or like he would like to be treated even if not treated well in return, then joy and happiness won't completely desert you. The saying "that one is just about as happy as he makes up his mind to be," is true. It is not what one has or doesn't have that determines one's overall joy and happiness, but how well one appreciates what he does have. Here are two count your blessings positive thinking quotes that I often repeat to myself: "Thank you God for my life, health, and strength, or thank you God for the way I am." The hardest part of all for us that are suffering from neurosis and phobias is to get friends and loved ones to understand. Most confident people can't understand why anyone would fear disapproval or be affected by the seemingly little things that bother a neurotic individual. For a neurotic individual it may take a lot of energy just to get up for even a simple occasion. Most friends and loved ones pretend to understand, but deep down many blame the victim as being somewhat selfish and unfriendly. Neurotic behavior is like many things in life. It has to be experienced firsthand to be truly understood. " So many toils and snares I have overcome " (paraphrased). Nobody has to tell me how it feels to be laughed at, ridiculed, shamed, and humiliated. I've experienced it all firsthand. That is why I know that one who refuses to hate others and turn bitter can never be a failure or mentally destroyed. Lastly, even a minor change in behavior might bring on some stress. So, just to be on the safe side myself, I take a stress vitamin daily and see my doctor regularly. Remember that anything mentally or physically that doesn't destroy you will make you stronger in some way. Facing and overcoming obstacles in life is what makes Successful people the way they are. In my view every super achiever was in someway searching for love and approval, and the greatness resulted as a by-product. When I was a small kid I was called a cry baby because I would cry at the drop of a hat. Well, It's still true, it's just that I've become an expert at hiding it. Anytime I watch a movie or read a book where a character doesn't quit and come out on top, there are going to be tears in my eyes. These are a few of the personal things that I've decided to share for the first time. Long ago I decided not to keep a dairy because of prying eyes. When I look back over my, life there is a lot I don't understand, but a determination to survive always stands out. I never set out to be a writer, but my instinct to survive forced me to start writing for reasons I never plan to publicly express. I believe the Lord works in mysterious ways, and in my case I have come to believe that I was chosen to get the warning out. In almost every way I can think of, writing has been bad for me. It has left me broke and deeply in debt, and surely turned some powerful people against me, yet there is a force within that drives me on. There is hardly anyone seemingly more unsuitable for the mission than I am. My neurotic symptoms cause me to be tense and ill at ease around people, and before crowds it requires a lot of energy not to look sad and pitiful. Looking back I can only surmise that being punished regularly and harshly for wetting the bed as a small child brought on the early neurotic symptom of looking pitiful. This kind of talk may be self-serving, but I felt a need to make a point to those that give up, or quit. All of my life I have battled shyness, low self esteem, feelings of unworthiness, lack of confidence, neurotic symptoms, self hate, etc., but quitting was not an option, wallowing in self pity was not an option, and I've never turned bitter and never will. I think of the following adages: "One monkey don't stop the show," "You can't stop....Read complete
About the Author: Freddie L. Sirmans was born in Stockton, Ga. on Dec. 22, 1942. In 1956 he moved with his family to Valdosta, GA. at the age of fourteen. He finished Pinevale High School in Valdosta in 1961. He turned down a basketball scholarship to attend Fort Valley State College in GA. upon graduation. In late 1962 Mr. Sirmans enlisted in the U.S. Air Force where he was trained as a fire and crash rescue man and fire fighter. After he spent four years in the Air Force Mr. Sirmans returned to Valdosta in 1966. In 1969 he married Carolyn Laverne Cunningham. That union ended in a divorce in 1980. He has operated several small businesses and help raise four kids. They are Regina, Freddie Jr., Hoover, and Erica. He is so proud of his nine grand children. Now, Freddie L Sirmans Sr is a published Author. The name Freddie L Sirmans Sr can now be looked up in any internet search engine as a great writer. Google him. To try and keep trying is the greatest of all virtures. "Persistence + Determination = Success Education and Ability alone won't, Talent and Skill alone won't, only Persistence and determination alone are Omnipotent" Repeat to one's self 50 times a day or as much as necessary, "I can face and do all things through God which strengthens me."