Negativity is a poison that kills dreams and potential. It starts as negative thoughts that then turn into negative words and destructive criticism. If left unchecked, negativity can destroy a person's chances of achieving their goals and living up to their full potential. However, people can eliminate this poison by monitoring their thoughts and words for negativity, making a conscious effort to replace negative speech with positive language, and cultivating an attitude of gratitude. Shifting one's mindset from negative to positive through appreciating life's gifts and focusing on positives can help cut oneself free from the anchor of negativity.

1. ♫ Turn on your speakers! CLICK TO ADVANCE SLIDES From an article by Peggy McColl The Poison That Kills Dreams

2. "If someone put poison in your water… … would you drink it?" The obvious answer is “NO"! Chemical poisons that we can see, taste, touch, and smell can be fatal. Fortunately we are intelligent enough to know that we do not ingest poisonous substances… … but what about our mind? Repeatedly, people are poisoning their minds with negativity, and though we cannot see this negativity, it is just as fatal.

3. Negativity starts with negative thoughts. Negativity is the poison that kills dreams! And we need to stop it before it contaminates our lives.

4. Negative thinking cripples a person's life to one degree or another. It robs people of the opportunity to live up to their full potential and of achieving their greatest desires and aims. It condemns many to the rat race of mere survival— drudgery day after day—because they don't think they can achieve anything more. It brings depression and other mental disorders, and that in turn leads to physical disorders. Negative thinking results in negative, destructive criticism‚ which results in destruction. Destruction is a strong word, but that is what it results in, because the potential that has been there for good, for greatness, or for success has been destroyed. So many people want to do great things. So many people dream of being a person who changes the world through some great work written, a great deed of courage performed‚ or great acts of compassion rendered to those in need. But the negative feeling of "I just can't do it" robs people of that chance to make good on their dreams. (Excerpt by Maria Fontaine)

5. If you find yourself thinking negative thoughts… … think again. Strive to think positive, empowering, and supportive thoughts. How do we eliminate this poison? Monitor the thoughts that you allow into your mind… ... every thought!

6. Just as you monitor your thoughts, monitor the words that you speak. Listen carefully to every word that is coming from your mouth. Watch for excusitis . Excusitis is a disease that causes people to constantly make excuses. When you hear yourself complaining, stop yourself immediately.

7. Create a vocabulary of a successful, positive, inspiring individual. Be passionate in your speech and express your enthusiasm with your words. The energy of the words that you speak is a powerful force that is creative.

8. There is so much to be positive about! You are so valuable and That should raise your self-esteem, and self-value!

10. If you've been negative about yourself in the past, turn over a new leaf in your life and become someone who is so positive that you'll be able to influence others' lives for the better. The power of praise and positiveness is contagious. So be a carrier! What was once your weakness can become your strength! SHARE THIS SLIDESHOW WITH YOUR FRIENDS!