I am what I think, and I never mind being reminded of that fact.
Where I put my energy and attention is what will define my life.
It doesn’t matter if it’s personal or worldly problems that dominate our lives. We can become the mirror of negativity in the unhappy relationships around us or the world crises we hear of every day, all day.
Or we can be the voice of positive energy by staying focused on the abundance and well-being of everything around us throughout our days. I swing back and forth between positive and negative … sometimes hourly.
Studies have shown that the major benefits of an upbeat outlook on life and a positive view of aging are an improved immune system, lower blood pressure, better weight control and a positive effect on blood sugar levels.
What helps keep me on the positive side
Gratitude is one of the key elements that keeps me on the positive path. A gratitude journal is a graphic daily reminder that I have more than enough to have a wonderful life.
Here are some other steps for staying positive and optimistic:
~Surround yourself with supportive people who lift your spirits
~Laugh everyday: watch funny movies or short clips on YouTube
~Practice smalls acts of kindness
~Focus on the now by practicing mindfulness
~Forgive someone now and let go of the associated baggage
~Create a new positive goal that is meaningful to you
Is it worth it?
Does having a glass-half-full point of view sound like work? Does working these steps or thinking of other steps that might work better for you feel like just too much effort to have to expend to be happier? Sometimes I feel I shouldn’t have to work to keep upbeat and bouncy, but I know that if I don’t keep moving in that direction, I’m dead in the water, and won’t have much life left to live. Yes, it’s difficult in the face of great loss or serious illness* to maintain a positivity that is needed to move forward in life, but what happens if you don’t?
*Recommended reading: If you are struggling to remain upbeat in the middle of health issues. Happiness in a Storm: Facing Illness and Embracing Life as a Healthy Survivor