Thinking Good Thoughts

Books, Dignity, Encouragement, Faith, Gratitude, Hope, Inspiration, Peace, Strength 1 Minute

Last week started with a recurring thought from Maya Angelou’s mother. She was always…

I want to be like that. Unfazed by whatever happens.

Another thought came from the Book of Proverbs…

I want to be like that. Strong and Dignified. Fearless and Joyful.

Meanwhile, I’ll name it and claim it.

When Saturday rolled around, I mindlessly scrolled Facebook when a book caught my eye:  

The post said, “Found this book in our move. Everyone could use a little more positive in their life! Ready to apply this with my family, friends, and students! If you’ve read this, what was your biggest take away?”

I read the book about five years ago and remembered the part about energy vampires. I pulled the book from my shelf and flipped to that chapter. These words jumped off the page: “If you want to be successful you have to be very careful about who is on your bus. After all there are people who increase your energy and there are people who drain your energy…Your job is to do your best to eliminate any negativity on your bus and this includes negative people.” Noted.

Charles Dickens once wrote: “It was the best of times, it was the worst of times.” What a paradox! Our times can be both the best and the worst. Let’s choose our focus.

Alexandre Dumas once wrote: “Life is a storm, my young friend. You will bask in the sunlight one moment, be shattered on the rocks the next. What makes you a man is what you do when that storm comes.” The storms of life happen—bad weather, catastrophes, flat tires, politics, rude people, illness, death—and when storms happen, I protect my energy.

I seek out good. I redirect my thoughts. I choose faith and gratitude, peace and hope.

There’s energetic power in the thoughts we carry. And energy, good or bad, travels. It transfers into our cells and to our loved ones. I don’t know about you, but my molecular make-up, my loved ones, too, could use some good energy. So, today I’m thinking good thoughts—for you and me—strong, dignified, fearless, joyful thoughts. Pass it on.

Published by Crystal Byers

When I was young, my dad would always say, "Crystal, you can choose your attitude." One day I chose to believe him.

Published

70 thoughts on “Thinking Good Thoughts”

  1. “Energy Vampires.” I must cooperate as a coworker with one every day. “Protect your energy.” Crystal, I prayed, literally 30 minutes ago, “God, how do I keep
    working with a toxic person without becoming toxic myself? Now I know.

    I love, love Maya Angelou. I’m not one of these Christian’s who thinks he can’t learn something from someone who isn’t (wasn’t) 100% Christian. Anyway, Girl Power! That’s what I’m saying. God Bless.

    Liked by 2 people

      1. I feel that way often too. I had a piece recently that I debated posting. I worried that the message was redundant. Of course, several readers commented on how different and helpful it was. Instead, I’ve tried to post what I’m thinking, focus on being authentic, and let the other stuff go! Anyway, thanks for sharing!

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  5. Hey there Crystal, Great essay. Shakespeare said, “Nothing is good or bad but thinking makes it so.’ The Bible says in Romans 8:28 “All things work together for good…” and as my Uncle Frank used to say, “Even a kick in the ass can be a step forward.” All the best. jerry

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  6. Crystal, you ARE like this: strong, dignified, fearless, and joyful. These characteristics are present in virtually every one of your posts. And you inspire those of us who read your posts to be more like that. 💕

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    1. Thank you, Jane! Your response made me a little misty-eyed. I have good advice, but I don’t always take it. I’m a work-in-progress, and it sounds like I’m, well, making progress. I appreciate you for taking time to inspire me!

      Liked by 1 person

  7. A lovely and powerful reminder that it matters how we respond to things and that can zap us of our energy or we can choose to protect it.
    Faith, gratitude, peace, and hope – walk in full measure of all of these Crystal.

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    1. And I understand times when redirecting thoughts is not easy and how those times sometimes stretch out longer than we want. I like what Rilke says, too:

      “Let everything happen to you: beauty and terror.
      Just keep going. No feeling is final.”

      Liked by 1 person

    1. Hello, Luisa! My blog was born of those circumstances, a choice of faith and gratitude, a consequence of peace and hope, thoughts that continue to carry me. May this energy spread beyond you and me. ❤️

      Liked by 1 person

  12. Hi, Crystal. Many sparkling quotes, all of which resonate. The best of them arrives near the end, though, and it succeeds the others. In it, author and teacher Crystal Byers advises us “(E)nergy, good or bad, travels.”

    Including much of what you cited, of course. Those wordsmiths crafted the introduction and the forward, yet the author herself fills the pages after and inspires them with her own quote-worthy moments and thoughts.

    To “author” and “teacher” add “bonne vivante.” Not someone who savors a life of indulgence, but a person who indulges in a savory life. She makes the most of each moment, despite current circumstances. Energy enjoyed now or built for later.

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  13. Love your inspirational post, Crystal, and thanks for the reminder about protecting my energy 🙂 My sons no longer come to me for advice, but it is my hope that some of my good energy helps to carry them through their day.

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    1. Funny how sometimes I’m trying to inspire myself, and then responses like yours give me some extra good energy. I have no doubt your sons feel it, too. Thank you, Rosaliene!

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  14. Wonderful posts and such great quotes. Anyone out there without a toxic person in your life? Consider yourself blessed. For the rest of us, this is a great perspective.

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  15. You’re the second blogger I’ve read today that made mention of people who take your energy. I’ve dealt with many energy vampires, but maybe am the better for it? I’ve honed my strength, dignity, and the ability to laugh.

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  16. Lovely post full of positivity and great thoughts. I personally resonate with the quote of Charles Dickens- I felt some of my best and worst memories lie in the same period.

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      1. Well, It becomes AB CD if you put Charles Dickens after my name..actually its the first time any one called me AB so let this poor joke pass…😅

        Liked by 1 person

  17. I love that you’re forever seeking to find the beauty in things and what a strong quote about making sure you know who’s on your bus! That’s unbelievably true

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    1. Thanks, LaShelle! I can definitely look around and find some bad to talk about. On the other hand, I would prefer to focus on what’s right in the world and save my own peace.

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  22. Thank you for sharing your thoughts and positive energy!!.. “The only thing that stands between you and your dream is the will to try and the belief that it is actually possible.” (Joel Brown).. 🙂

    Until we meet again..
    May your day be touched
    by a bit of Irish luck,
    Brightened by a song
    in your heart,
    And warmed by the smiles
    of people you love.
    (Irish Saying)

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  24. This is so strange, not the post, but the power of our thoughts. I was just listening to a Ted Talk by Caroline Myss on caring for the words we continually use to describe ourselves and our value. She said our health depends on the our vocabulary! It was sort of mind blowing and you’ve picked up on the vibe and carried the message forward. Here’s to kind and healthy selftalk! Hugs, C

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    1. I’m going to have to look her up. I read The Clarity Cleanse last summer by Dr. Habib Sadeghi with the same idea. And six years or so ago, I saw a couple of videos (like these) I’ll never forget.

      and

      The rice experiment would be fun with your visiting littles. To kind and healthy self-talk! ❤️

      Liked by 1 person

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