On Life 185 – Positive Thinking, Dealing, and Initiative – August 25, 2017

In the previous article, we highlighted one of the human relations principles, namely, people do not necessarily have to see things the way you do. This was through resuming the story of “Red Riding Hood” and her little monster when the writer presented his feelings when he thought he was losing his freedom and happiness. Thus, good human relations require that people understand their fellows’ views in order to live in peace, and work as a team. In effect, positive thinking, dealing, and initiative is one of bases of human relations, for each is based on the other.

Positive Thinking

It is said that establishing successful human relations starts with a positive stance. In truth, we have to know that there are two ways of seeing people: either in a positive way within the framework of humanity which God created and granted all good, or as inferiors full of evil and envy. Each thought has the way dealing within it. If you have positive thoughts, you will lovingly interact with others and try to understand what they mean. If your mind is dominated by negative thoughts, everything will be negative.

Positive Dealing

Positive dealing is affected by the thoughts humans have for one another, giving rise to positive or negative feelings. For instance, how can one deal positively with a person who he believes to be corrupt? How can we deal with each other when you think I am an inferior?

Thus, positive feelings result from man’s positive thoughts and make him deal well with others. Likewise, love is the first step, “in establishing positive relations. Loving people is a reflection of their love for you. They open their hearts to you in like manner flowers open to sun rays.” The simplest way of dealing with others is smiling. Voltaire asserts that a smile, “breaks the ice, spreads comfort, heals wounds, and paves the way to good human relations.”

Positive Initiative

If you think positively, you will make positive initiatives. You can help and support others. In turn, during your hard times, others will support you, thus, making overcome hardships.

Life, indeed, can be made a paradise or a hell!

General Bishop

Head of the Coptic Orthodox Cultural Center