Categories
On The Bricks

December 29, 2020

          Looking on the bright side of things, choosing to be optimistic rather than pessimistic, is a skill. A skill that is learned.

          A person can be happier, often more productive, healthier, and at peace by practicing “conscious positivity” or choosing to look on the bright side.

          Research has shown people with anxiety can learn to worry less by adopting positive ideation. Stress can also be reduced by learning positive thinking skills. In fact, a Yale School of Public Health study of more than 4,000 people age 50 and older found having a positive view of aging can help you live longer.

          When you change your thoughts, you change your world.

          Rather than complaining, find things that you are grateful for. You can even start a gratitude journal and be sure to list your personal strengths and any acts of kindness you see or do.

          When you have a negative thought, choose to focus on something positive about your situation. When you’re nervous about a work deadline, imagine how it will feel when you finish a good product. When you’re procrastinating, promise yourself a reward for starting.

          Things won’t all go well, but you can train yourself to be positive rather than negative. Because if you allow your mind to pondering on your failure, you’re halfway to accomplishing the failure. When you hear that voice in your head, tell it to go away, take a deep breath, and concentrate on one positive thing about the situation or about yourself. Start to trust yourself.

          Simply interrupting the flow of negative thoughts can move you closer to being a positive person.

          When you feel stressed, concentrate briefly on what you are thinking and feeling at the moment – on what is causing your emotions. Then determine whether you can do anything about it. If you can do something to help it, do it. If you cannot, have the mental fortitude to let it go and not to worry about things you cannot control. Put it out of your mind. Do not allow something you can do nothing about shadow your day.

          When you can do something and do it, you are accomplishing something. You are being a person of action. You have taken control of your life. You might not solve the entire problem, but you made things better.

          You can become a calmer, happier, and more successful person simply by controlling your thoughts and following those thoughts that are positive. Quit wasting time on blame of yourself or others.

          Working hard to become positive and getting your mind off negative thoughts and in a mode to do something to improve situations soon can lead to helping other people when you’re not so busy worrying and thinking bad things.

          Pope Francis said, “Rivers do not drink their own water; trees do not eat their own fruit; the sun does not shine on itself and flowers do not spread their fragrance for themselves. Living for others is a rule of nature. We are all born to help each other. No matter how difficult it is … Life is good when you are happy; but much better when others are happy because of you.”

          It’s good for us to continually strive to be better versions of ourself.

          January 17 is Main Street Guymon’s Special Game Day in Goodwell. This is an event for families with special needs kids and our partners include the OPSU Baseball Team. It’s a great day and if you know someone who should be contacted about the event, please drop us a note at MainStreetGuymon.com or call 580-338-6246.