Positive Attitude by Bradley Rediger

While most twelve-year-olds may find themselves occupied with homework, extracurricular activities, and the overall drama of junior high school, I spent my entire seventh grade year battling Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma, a type of blood cancer. Although this life threatening illness could have obliterated my spirit and induced negative thinking, I decided to maintain a positive attitude throughout my cancer treatments. I firmly believe that anyone can overcome challenges of any amplitude if they maintain a positive attitude. I believe in the power of a positive attitude.

Although I was forced to undergo spinal taps, several surgical procedures, and eighteen chemotherapy treatments in my year-long encounter with Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma, I always tried to think of my situation in a positive manner. Although some people may have keeled over, pitied themselves, or hid in seclusion, I chose to face the cancer head on. This meant utilizing a positive attitude in everyday life, refusing to feel sorry for myself or question God for allowing a child to have such an awful disease. My positive outlook on life allowed me to look on the bright side of an otherwise horrendous situation. A trip to Omaha for a spinal tap, doctor's visit, and chemotherapy treatment would result in some positive situations, like staying the night at a relative's home, and the hospital trip allowed me to interact with the nurses and doctors I came to admire. I do not think I could have successfully combated cancer without believing in myself, which heavily involved the power of a positive attitude.

The power of a positive thinking can be seen in many aspects of life, and research proves that psychology can have affect on biology. Erica Goode of The New York Times stated, Studies have found, for example, that people who suffer from depression are at higher risk for heart disease and other illnesses. University of Wisconsin researches also found that the activation of brain regions associated with negative emotions appears to weaken people's immune response to a flu vaccine (Goode 1). This is scientific proof that positive thinking can alter one's physical health. I personally feel that my positive attitude during my bout with cancer made my circumstances much easier to handle. Anticipating positive outcomes during doctor's visits and various tests allowed me to hope for the best, instead of worrying that more negative situations would arise. I firmly believe that positive attitudes can easily affect negative medical situations in both psychological and physical ways.

In addition to relieving unnecessary stress in unfortunate medical circumstances, positive attitudes may greatly affect surrounding people. I am positive that everyone has been in the presence of an excessively negative person who seems to bring down the spirits of those around him or her. Both positive and negative attitudes are contagious, and I am certain that positive thinkers attract more friends and followers. Common sense suggests that those with positive attitudes will be more successful in every aspect of life, considering one is more productive and efficient when utilizing a positive attitude. The benefits of maintaining a positive attitude are numerous, especially when observing the detriments of a negative attitude.

My year long battle with cancer would have undeniably been far more difficult spiritually, mentally, and physically, had I chosen to view life in a pessimistic manner. Even scientific studies show the advantages of positive attitudes in times of sickness, which is not surprising when realizing the effects of positive attitudes on surrounding people. Although I have been in unfortunate situations at a fairly young age, I always tried to think in a positive manner, and that thought process helped me survive in more ways than one. I believe in the power of a positive attitude.