As children, we often look up to our parents as superheroes, admiring their strength, courage, and ability to make a difference. For me, that superhero was my father. When Zimbabwe was struck by a severe drought, leaving millions hungry, my father donned his superhero suit and jumped into action.

Volunteering in food relief efforts, he traveled across the country distributing food donated by organizations like World Vision. The stories he shared from the field were both inspiring and heartbreaking. From saving villages on the brink of starvation to witnessing the tragic loss of life, his actions left a lasting impact on me.

Curiosity led me to question the source of my father's heroic actions. I wondered if his powers were derived from some kind of kindness bug bite, akin to Spiderman's transformation. With a sense of awe, I finally mustered the courage to ask him why he dedicated so much of his time and energy to helping others. His answer was simple but profound: "Because I have HOPE and believe things can always become better."

He went on to explain that his definition of HOPE was Having Only Positive Expectations. And just like that, my father revealed the secret behind his superhero powers: positive thinking.

Positive thinking is an incredibly powerful force available to all of us. It is a mindset that focuses on the good in every situation, not to ignore reality or pretend everything is perfect, but to choose to see the best and use that perspective to create positive change. It's about finding solutions instead of dwelling on problems, taking action rather than complaining.

You may be wondering how to cultivate positive thinking in your own life. Well, let's explore some practical steps you can take.

First and foremost, become aware of your thoughts. Pay attention to the stream of thoughts running through your mind throughout the day. Are they predominantly positive or negative? Are they helpful or harmful? When a negative thought arises, make a conscious effort to shift your focus to finding a positive thought that will propel you forward. For example, replace "I'll never be able to do this" with "I may not know how to do this yet, but with practice, I can learn."

Another effective way to cultivate positive thinking is through practicing gratitude. Scientific research has shown that expressing gratitude regularly can lead to more positive emotions. Gratitude triggers the release of dopamine and serotonin in the brain, reducing stress and anxiety. Incorporate gratitude into your daily routine, perhaps by spending a few minutes each morning journaling about the things you are grateful for. This simple practice can set a positive tone for the rest of your day and help you see the silver linings even in challenging situations.

Lastly, surround yourself with positive influences. Spend more time with Positive Pauls and less time with Negative Nancies. Positive people tend to be more optimistic, resilient, and supportive, while negative individuals can be draining and discourage you from pursuing your goals.

Let me share a personal example of the transformative power of positive thinking. During my high school years in Zimbabwe, the country was engulfed in an economic crisis of epic proportions. Inflation skyrocketed to over 1,000%, and dreams of becoming millionaires turned into a surreal reality of being trillionaires. Negative voices started telling me that my dream of coming to America and becoming a successful entrepreneur was impossible.

However, armed with the lessons I learned from my superhero dad, I refused to succumb to negativity. Instead, positive thinking became my source of motivation and resilience. I spent two years diligently applying to colleges in the US and every scholarship I could find, even while sleeping in an internet cafe. Rather than abandoning my dream, I persevered, driven by the belief that positive thinking could lead to a breakthrough.

Today, I am living my dream as an entrepreneur in America, having founded Nunbelievable, a cookie company. Through the power of positive thinking, I have been able to donate close to 2 million meals to people in need, fighting hunger just like my father did during that severe drought.

The truth is, we all have the potential to be superheroes in our own right. The superpower of positive thinking resides within each of us, waiting to be tapped into. By adopting a mindset of positivity, focusing on the good, and taking action, we can change our lives and the lives of others.

So, embrace positive thinking and let it transform you into a force for good. Remember my father's words: "Having Only Positive Expectations." With this mindset, you can overcome obstacles, create meaningful change, and make a difference in the world. Start today, and unlock the superhero within you.

Love, 

Kuda Biza

Co-Founder, ThisIsMyEra