I recently read that Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin had asked for prayer from her family, friends and supporters regarding the upcoming presidential elections.

She particularly wanted to express to the world her desire to stay positive even though she knew there would be manipulative attacks from others focusing on her family and her ability to serve as a presidential candidate. Not only will she have to prove that she is a strong and knowledgeable female, she must also convince the public that she is ready to serve as a future vice president.

Palin has expressed that she is ready to serve our country. However, it is evident that toxic thoughts can hinder people from being their best. They can  pollute our minds and keep us from thinking clearly. Toxic thoughts teach us that we are not worthy of good or prosperous blessings.

When we become negative individuals, we must find a way to cleanse ourselves from those ‘defeating thoughts.’ We can’t look forward to future events or goals if we tend to expect disappointments in every endeavor. Somehow, we must find a way to let the bad offenses of others and past mistakes go. Cleansing ourselves from defeating thoughts can allow us to treat each day as a new opportunity for good and memorable happenings.

I know people who allow others to determine their mood for each day. When others are rude or disrespectful to you, don’t give them the privilege of setting the tone for your day. Others may say you’re not as good as them, but it is not their place to decide who you are; YOU decide. It is your choice to decide your destiny in life! Others may not really know the real you.

Mentally healthy people feed themselves with seeds of good and productive thinking. They don’t allow others to create permanent burdens for their lives. In addition, wise people realize that good can come from bad—if they allow it. I know people who often say they feel cursed. Thinking this way will never allow you to feel successful. It is imperative that you learn to overcome the temptation to think that everything in life has to be perfect (or that, if it’s not, you are not a blessed person).

In order to give way to uplifting thoughts, one must let go of strongholds and think with an open mind. There will always be people who will ridicule you or make you feel small, but there will also be those who truly love and appreciate your strengths and companionships. I have always heard that it is wise to hang on to the coat tails of those who can lead you to a brighter future.

Pessimistic thoughts are like heavy weights that sit on you and make you feel weak and weary. At any age, they can ruin your future and hinder you from being your best!

Therefore, find a way each day to meditate on the good things in your life. Stay close to those who make you feel important and appreciated. Dwell on productive ways to face each day. Think about it: You don’t want to drink dirty water, so don’t fill you mind with unclean thoughts or garbage.

Successful people are those who work hard, think pro-actively, and learn to lean on the help of others. They also know how to trust in themselves and persevere through negative consequences. They are courageous people who live by hope and faith.

Successful people—whether presidents, doctors, politicians or educators, among others— understand the U.S. Army’s old slogan that still resonates:

“Be all you can be!”

Dr. Sonya Rogers is a certified counselor who lives in Daphne.