Staying positive, when it is SO easy to be negative

Life has been and always will be crazy! That being said, I think that we need to ask the question, how will we be able to stay positive in a world where everything (or everybody) seems so negative? The only way to answer that question is to say that, it is a mindset. If you start thinking in a more positive manner, then you can begin to function as a happier person. When you function as a happier person then you have the benefit of being a more joyful person in life.

So let’s think, instead, about it this way……

In order to be positive, you have to have something that you can focus on that is, in of itself, positive. If you are religious, then you focus your thoughts on the things of God. If you are not religious, then you can focus on other things that bring positive energies into your life, for example: a pet, your family, friends, exercise, sharing with a shut-in. Their is no limit into what you can view in a positive way. It just has to fit what is right for you!

You also might want to consider this as well….

I know that we like to stay informed via the news or social media, but you may need to make a conscious decision, sometimes, to limit how much time you spend watching or looking at these type of sites.

As hard as it is, we can’t control what other people do or say. We can only control ourselves and how we react to the things that they do or say. So….. learn to take a step back and take a deep breath. Change that channel. Think, before you make that comment on social media. You don’t want to have to look back years from now and regret the words that you said. And, all in all, if it helps to bring down your blood pressure, then that is a win!

So, what did I learn from this? I am in control of my responses. It is harder to be positive, so I have to work at it on a daily basis. Am I always successful? No. And that is okay. So, when I get to that point when I am not feeling positive, I turn to other sources that can help me get back to where I need to be. This includes praying, reading my bible, going for a drive, calling an understanding friend/family member to vent, listening to positive music just to name a few.

So, what can you gain from this? Give yourself a break. Try not to be so hard on yourself. Although, I know that is certainly easier said than done!

Above all, find something or someone that helps put you in that positive state of mind. You could even call it “your happy place”! And what can you get out of it….. a more positive attitude!!