The Pollyanna Theory

The Pollyanna Theory

As far back as 1915, authors like Eleanor H. Porter were trying to instill a positive outlook into children through good literature. Her character Pollyanna in the book by the same title has actually become a popular term in the English language for someone with an optimistic outlook. Can you imagine writing something so profound, that one of your characters actually becomes a part of our language?

I share about the Pollyanna Theory because I am an avid writer about sending a positive message and having a hopeful spin to share. I think that’s why I watch Diane Sawyer every night. Her newscast seems to highlight the best in the news, as well as the high points in the tragedies. But even then, she is always looking for the hero or heroine. You have to admire news and reporters who are avid users of the Pollyanna Theory. I would much rather be uplifted, then burdened by the constant barrage of negativity in the news.

This leads me to my point today. How do we wake up every day with a positive outlook and an uplifting spirit to share? This can be a difficult challenge for most people, as the first thing we often face is chores, deadlines, and negativity. But let’s use the Pollyanna theory to make change in our outlook today.

I had an interesting challenge a couple days ago I’d like to share. I had a friend—let’s call her Sharon—who had a hard day. She came to me with some disparaging news and a heartfelt complaint about how I had been dealing with a certain aspect of our relationship. As always, the first thing that flares up is our ego. We were both in the defensive mode. But, I decided to sit back and listen and observe. A minister friend’s theory passed through my mind: “When a person feels comfortable enough to share a burdensome issue with you, it is a compliment, not a protest.”

I kept that in mind as I listened with more compassion.

I suggested, when she was finished, that we say a prayer and ask God to guide us and help us figure out the next step in our relationship. As we prayed, I felt the walls and barriers come crashing down. We both shared the same spiritual outlook. How wonderful it was to give our burden to God in that moment. We both ended up sharing what we were truly afraid of—abandonment—and had a good cry and a heartfelt and healing embrace.

This happened in the morning before I had to teach my yoga class. I had a choice: would I carry the problem and solution with me, or would I let it go and let spirit lift me up with this issue to find a great message for my students?

I chose the second choice. It became apparent, when a sense of well-being rushed over my body, that God, angels, and spirits were guiding my course of action. If I could let go as I was doing in that moment—this every day—no matter what the challenge—I could always feel hopeful and loving.

I challenge you today to take something that is bothersome and causing you anxiety and find the authentic, compassionate point of view. Look from all sides to find spirit’s purpose for this challenge in your life.

When you discover the issue in its distilled version, then let it go to God. You have very little to do with the next step. You have more power in keeping a positive attitude about your challenge, than if you keep running over the negativity in your mind like a bad movie looping over and over.

Trust that you will know in your heart what to do next, if you keep your mind and soul open to the flow of good always available from Unlimited and Loving God!

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Bo Sebastian is a Hypnotherapist and Life & Health Coach, available for private sessions to QUIT SMOKING, Lose Weight, New Lap-Band Hypnosis for Weight Loss, CHANGE YOUR MIND, CHANGE YOUR LIFE! at 615-400-2334 or www.bosebastian.com.

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