Positive Thinking vs. Detachment from Reality

Here's an interesting question for you followers of positive thinking. When does positive thinking and positive vision become detachment from reality?

In review: According to The Power and The Secret by Rhonda Powell, the Laws of Attraction state that if you think positive thoughts and envision what you want, will eventually come to you. I believe there's some truth to the statement being that in order to feel happier, one must actually want to be happy. For that matter, one must believe in happiness. (Original Happiness Project blog here).

So you wander around life thinking the best in everything and every situation. You hope for the perfect outcome and supposedly it will come? It's a kind of head-in-the-clouds approach. My dad shook me back into reality today regarding a certain topic when he said "Isn't that what you said last time?" Which was complete true. (In case you were wondering, what I said was: "I really feel it this time. This is going to be my big break.") I was trying to be uber positive and envision myself in a certain location, but it fell apart. I ended up being depressed and lost for a few weeks, then off on another flight of fancy.

Is positive thinking a band aid for reality?

Take for example horoscopes. I'm a strong believer in astrology. I've studied it, but since then lessened the mania. Though one of my first things when I find out someone's birthday is to determine how their sun sign matches with my own. My friend, Phil, is the exact opposite and he is quick to point out that broad statements found in horoscopes will apply if you believe that they will happen. Any situation for that matter

So if your horoscope says something terrible is going to happen, and you believe in astrology, then you'll be more sensitive to looking for the thing that makes the horoscope true. Hey, we all need something to believe in - something to know that the things that happen to us may be out of our control all along.

Luckily, like a good parent my dad saw reality hit me and brought me back from worrying. He reminded me "No regrets, right?" He's right. I don't have no time fo' no regrets.

What is real?

In the past I've always guarded myself, many time self-deprecating and shielding with negative thoughts. That may be closer to reality, but I'm not ready to give up the positive stuff yet. I have a couple of friends from college who seem to exude positive energy. Yet, they seem happy and wildly successful.

In conclusion, I think it's okay to be positive, but have realistic expectations.

 "Don't wish, Don't Start. Wishing only wounds the heart." - Wicked