Folks, a bigger paycheck may make your bank account fatter, but it doesn't do a thing for your self-esteem, especially if you're already feeling low. And all the success in the world means absolutely nothing, if you perceive that you have next to no control over your own destiny.

Considering one of the more potent ways to optimize your health -- creating more happiness in your life -- beats disease naturally, shouldn't you be doing all you can to manifest positive emotions? You can do so naturally, spiritually and without a drug, by making some changes to your attitude and your daily routine.

There is little doubt about the powerful effects positive emotions can have on your physical health and well-being. At the same time, there is equally little doubt about the effects that negative emotions can have on you. Many of us lack the full appreciation of the incredible impact our emotions have on our health.

On Vital Votes, EFT therapist Pat Ormsby tells the following story:

"When I was young, I was a really negative thinker. Everyone told me I needed to think more positively, and I knew it was true! But I didn't know how to think positively, and realizing that, I felt more negative than ever.

"About ten years ago I read a book that finally broke through to me and gave me a useful secret: be grateful for your problems! When you sit down and thank God or whomever for your problems, you can start to see the good side of them. Sometimes you have to use humor a bit -- but that stops the negative cycle. I finally achieved a turnaround.

"I thank you, Dr. Mercola, most sincerely also for bringing us EFT and promoting it tirelessly. It is such a useful tool for so many things, but if the only good it did was to help you think positively, it would still be immeasurably valuable. They say persistence pays -- well I am a true believer."

Dr. Matthew Loop, from Lilburn, Georgia, adds the following advice:

"I agree with this article, in that you must make the conscious decision to be happy. Happiness is a choice (not an end) and should be the number one priority in your life! Too many times, individuals get caught-up looking for something outside themselves to 'make them happy.' This is an inherently flawed way of choosing to relate to your environment. I would also incorporate the following things to the article.

"1) MAKE LISTS every day of all the things you are grateful for, including being grateful for your complete well-being. 

"2) LOVE YOURSELF profoundly! Tell yourself, 'I love me' in the mirror every day! Make lists of all the wonderful things about you and add to it regularly.

"3) Watch the movie, The Secret. This is a powerful, inspirational movie that will change the way you think about things."

Other responses to this article can be viewed at Vital Votes, and you can add your own thoughts or vote on comments by first registering at Vital Votes.