What is PMA? Positive Mental Attitude
We’re not going to pretend that every thought you have will be happy, positive, or purposeful. If that were the case, there would be no need for this blog—no need for therapy or counselling, no need for self‑help books, certain medications, or many of the supports that so many people rely on.
It’s estimated that the average person has anywhere between 6,000 and 70,000 thoughts a day. While it would be nice to control these so only positive or purposeful thoughts came through, that simply isn’t reality. The important thing to remember is that thoughts are not reality. Just because you think something does not mean you will act on it, nor does it make it true.
Thoughts are a bit like music playing in the background. Songs change constantly. Some songs you enjoy and pay attention to, others you don’t like and wish would stop—but eventually, they pass. Thoughts are much the same.
Over the years, Tom has done a lot of work around ACT (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy). One of the things he values most about ACT is that it teaches you to sit with a thought, acknowledge it, and accept it—rather than trying to block it out. After all, if we had control over every thought that entered our minds, we’d all be walking around smiling all the time with only positive and purposeful thoughts.
So what power do we have?
As individuals, we do have the power to implement positive changes in our lives—changes that can influence our thinking, improve our attitudes, and ultimately lead to greater fulfilment and enjoyment in life.
Everyone’s journey toward a positive mental attitude (PMA) will look different, but some of the practices that have helped both Tom and Luke include:
- Creating a gratitude list each day by naming three things they are grateful for
- Living life guided by personal values
- Being honest and true with themselves
- Talking when needed, but also learning to truly listen—which can be just as powerful
- Spending time with people they love and value
- Exercising regularly, not only for physical health but also for the mental benefits and endorphin release
- For Luke, living a vegan straight‑edge (XXX) lifestyle provides a strong sense of control, purpose, and support for his PMA
- Aiming to be just 1% better each day, remembering that life is about persistence, not perfection
We all have good days, and we all have bad days—but the bad days don’t last forever. One saying Tom often comes back to is:
“The same boiling water that softens the potato hardens the egg.”
The message is simple: the same challenging circumstances can affect people differently, depending on how we respond.
Do what makes you happy, be kind to yourself, and remember—you don’t have to carry everything alone.
Self-care for mental health and wellbeing, you can click here
Marked Not Broken 
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