We are always engaging in self-talk. Consider following situation:

You see a possible opportunity and you say to yourself... "This looks like a great idea!" (positive) "But what if I try and it doesn't work?" (negative) "Still, it looks too good to pass up!" (positive) "OK, but I can't do it right now, I'm too busy.... or.. I wouldn't know where to start...or..I'm not smart enough,. or ...etc." (negative)

Wouldn't this be better self-talk?

"This looks like a great idea!" (positive) Let's write down all pros and cons so we can evaluate idea properly" (positive) "It looks too good to pass up!" (positive) "Let's make a plan, work out what needs to be done and take a first step" (positive)

You can easily see that second course of action would be more effective than first in moving you towards your goal. The important thing is that we have been given free will. We don't have to follow pattern that we learned from our parents or that we picked up over years. If we are habitually harboring negative thoughts or fears, then we must make some changes in order to improve our lives.

The problem is that we have been given this marvelous brain which is many, many times more efficient and capable than best computer that man can build and no-one gave us an operating manual.

We owe it to ourselves to learn HOW to push right buttons in our brains and create reality that we deserve.

Let's become masters of our own destiny!

5. Sometimes you need to listen. Even crabby, self-indulged Lucy knew importance of listening. She started famous 'Psychiatry Booth' where any and all could come and be heard.

6. Do what you love to do. Through all their adventures, Schroeder remained constant in his appreciation of Beethoven and his love of playing piano. He loved to play piano and that's what he did, regardless of circumstances. Charlie Brown flew his kite, played baseball and football, not just to win (he knew he wouldn't), but because he loved to do those things.

7. It's important to have friends that care. The 'Peanuts' gang was made up of individual characters, each with their own foibles and talents, but through it all they were always there for each other.

8. Big dreams lead to big things. Snoopy was biggest dreamer of them all, but his wild imagination often led to even wilder, more fantastic adventures in real life. Snoopy knew that you must have a big dream if you are going to lead a big life.

9. Action creates reality. As Charlie Brown was reminded time and again after prodding from Linus: it takes action to bring about change. Though he often failed, Chuck took action quite regularly... and every now and again things would go his way.

10. Laugh every day! While kids themselves may not have seen humor in things they did, Schulz made sure that we did. Life is only as serious or as humorous as YOU make it.

Lighten up. Go play softball. Fly a kite. Dance with your dog. Smile... it makes people wonder what you're up to.