Visualization might sound trendy, but it’s long been respected by psychologists and clergy alike both for its simplicity and its effectiveness. You envision the future you want—in detail—then break down that image into its elements, make a plan, strategize set goals, make deadlines, build your model, and go for it. By staying alert to the possibilities in the world and choosing to focus positively on your dreams, you see real change in your life.
This ability to have perspective while keeping hope is fundamental to survival. You have to be realistic about your circumstances while maintaining your faith in your survival and yourself. Every single one of us can benefit from the power of visualization.
Survival journeys test the core of every person. Pain and loss are inevitable, but determine not to lose your ability to find small moments of happiness in the midst of them. Becoming bitter, resentful, full of self-pity, or self-centered is draining. You need every ounce of energy you have to survive.
Positive thinking actually gives you more energy (it’s been proven, remember, that having a positive outlook adds years to your life). You need that extra energy if you want to continue the fight. It might be the magnificence of your surroundings that inspire you. Vast glaciers, tall mountains, and big seas can create big problems for people, but survivors trapped in avalanches or stranded in the ocean can see how majestic their surroundings are, how they are part of something bigger.
When it comes to survival, view happiness as though it’s a set of monkey bars; visualize yourself swinging from one bar to the next and trying to hang on until you get to the end of your struggle.
Happiness in survival doesn’t feel like real happiness because it’s relative to how you felt in the happier times you’ve had. How can you be happy when facing terminal illness or a life-changing injury? You have to look beyond the superficial definition of happiness to what it means to be truly positive and grateful for the life you.