Make a Point of Being Positive
By Annie Lawler
MAKE A POINT OF BEING POSITIVE
Adopting a positive mental attitude is central to leading a happy and fulfilling life.
Be aware of the impact of influences around you
It can be difficult, I know. Take a look at the negative influences around you and become aware of them. For example, think about news reporting on TV and in the newspapers – how many good news stories are there? Take video games – how many do you know which are not violent or aggressive in nature? Look at the people you keep company with – do you come away feeling good or depressed? You can’t always avoid negative situations and people and there is no absolute need to do so, but you can be aware of them and take action to counter their negative influence.
Look for the positive
Of course, it’s easy to see the downside of any situation, but if you look for the positive, you can find that too. And, if we’re in a more positive mindset, we tend to find that we attract positive people and events to ourselves. Sure, it takes practice. But who would you rather have as company – someone who has fun and enjoys life or someone who enjoys finding fault with everything?
How to develop a positive attitude
Like anything that’s worth doing, you have to make a positive effort to be positive and here’s a few suggestions!
1. Practice being grateful. Make a list of all the reasons you are fortunate every day. Everything may not be right with your world but if you include access to clean water, an education, the fact that you have all your limbs and faculties and go from there, you’ll be surprised how quickly the list grows. Spend 10 minutes a day meditating on saying thank you for all the good things happening in your life. You can do this on the journey into work, during a walk or just before you go to sleep at night.
2. Deliberately counter your exposure to negative influences such as negative news, people, games and films. Choose to view comedies, positive films and theatre, read uplifting books, listen to uplifting music and mix with positive people.
3. Remember when we live in fear, anger and negativity, we lose control. Make a choice to adopt positivity and maintain your personal power.
4. Watch your language and thought patterns. When you hear yourself think or speak negatively. Be aware of it and think how you could have expressed your thoughts more positively. Practice it so that you’ll be ready with more positive expression next time. If you hear yourself thinking negatively, refuse to give in and reverse your thought patterns consciously.
5. Look around you as you go about your daily life and go out of your way to notice good things. Notice bright colours, positive comments, great weather, plants, trees, flowers, great architecture, light and so on.
6. Compliment people on their performance and appearance and watch the positive response you get.
Remember - You may not always be able to change the situation or circumstances but you can change your attitude and develop a positive attitude. If you start to behave positively, you will start to feel positive and that aids your physical and mental wellbeing, reduces stress and boosts your immune system.
Breathing Space Therapies helps clients get back in the driving seat & to make the right choices to lead happier, healthier, more fulfilling lives, through positive and proven stress management techniques. We offer 1-2-1 coaching & counselling, 'Quick Fix' half-hour sessions, deep relaxation CDs to address phobias, anxiety & health issues, seminars, & holistic therapies.
Annie Lawler, Breathing Space Therapies, 0772 581 8884 annie@breathingspacetherapies.com www.breathingspacetherapies.com
This article was posted by Annie Lawler
View all articles posted by Annie Lawler
