In my lectures and coaching sessions I find that most people know about the power of positive thinking, but we are often distracted from maintaining a positive mindset. Positive thinking attracts positive energy. If you are looking for positive results in your life, create the situation that will attract them.

By attracting positive energy to yourself—your life, health and relationships will improve greatly. Just follow some of the suggestions below that I always use in my coaching sessions.

Take a second and realize you are alive. In life we go through different experiences. As bad as we think things can get, there is only one alternative to your experience—no experiences at all. So show some gratitude for being alive.

You have to stop and smell the roses, the phrase says. I know that we are all busy in our everyday lives but every so often we must stop what we are doing and relax. Take a few deep breaths. Try to delete everyday thoughts from your mind. Look at nature, a sunset, a cloud formation, a tree or a flower. If it doesn't seem to come naturally, convince yourself of the positive beauty of the world. Keep at it and see that you will attract the positive energy.

Positive energy associates with happiness. Bring happiness into your life. Try to think about happy moments in your lifetime. There was a time in your life when you were happy. Play music that you enjoy and don't be embarrassed to sing along. Visit places or people that you enjoy.

Another important activity that attracts positive energy is random acts of kindness. It really works. I have many testimonies that prove it. For example, let another driver have the right of way. Let him get in front of you into your lane. Have a friendly conversation with a local store employee. Greet your neighbor with a smile. There are endless minor acts of kindness. Be conscious about your activities and try to be positive in your actions.

Make at least one friendly phone call a day, not for business or to have any other need met. Just call one person for a friendly “hello,” without any expectations from the person.

An important subject that I always speak about in my sessions is that you should take responsibility for your personal feelings. Don't blame your boss, your relatives, or friends. Yes, they may not do what you want or think they should do, but they are doing what they want and what they think is right—that's good enough. You should take responsibility for how you feel about yourself and your life. Use positive thinking to attract the positive energy and stay away from the negative.

You need to set your mind in a positive direction and at the same time your body needs a positive direction too. Invest in your personal well-being. Eat healthy foods. Not only do you deserve quality foods, you need them to stay healthy.

Exercise regularly by joining a gym or taking walks in the park. You don't need to overdue it. Take 30 minutes out of your day to work your muscles and strengthen your body.

Another thing that people sometimes neglect is to get sufficient sleep. Sleep lets your body heal itself. Sleep keeps you alert and makes you look younger.

Positive energy starts with a thought, then transfers to speech, and finally transforms into action. It is a positive connection between the mind, spirit and body for a perfect and healthy life.

No one is perfect and each of us makes our choices out of what we believe to be best at the moment. You always have to forgive yourself. You don't necessarily have to forget. Forgive yourself and move on to what is next.

Finally, remember, there is always somebody who loves you! If you have a hard time relating to this statement, just think positively and you will see that I am right. First love and take care of yourself. This way you can take care of others. Positive energy is the foundation of your happiness and your ability to have a healthy and successful life.
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Ben-Gurion Matsas is Publisher/Editor of IMAGE Magazine and President of the Sephardic National Alliance.