Keeping a Positive 2017

2016 has been a tough year to many. It was a tough year for me and my family as well. But, as always, though having faced a hard and heart breaking times, there’s much to be thankful for. Let’s admit that even during the breaking times, there are moments that we can still manage to smile, burst with laughter and inspire others.

Being positive and looking at situations in a better or positive perspective helps us combat negativity and worsening of problems. I have learned this the hard way. But, I’m glad that I was able to overcome negativism and replace it with good vibes.

Let me share with you some of what I’ve learned.

To keep that positivity kicking, here are some things that you might want to consider.

1. Surround yourself with people with positive outlook in life.

Negativity is contagious, it keeps you unmotivated from the things you do. It creates an idea of uncontentment keeping your judgement clouded with negative thoughts. You won’t even notice that it’s poisoning the good in you. Sometimes, even if it’s not your problem, you become part of it just by hearing and engaging with negative comments. So, it is best to surround yourself with people who can give you positive thoughts and people who can remind you whenever you become negative about things.

2. Compliment rather than criticize.

Keeps someone’s day brighter by complimenting the good rather than uttering an unnecessary criticism. It doesn’t just make someone else happier but it will also make your day a positive one.

3. Turn a negative conversation into a positive exchange.

You can never get rid of negative talks. There will always be things that we don’t like, let it be work, family, friends, fashion, you name it. When we encounter these conversations, you can always turn a negative talk into an even lighter conversation. All you need to do is find that small sunshine amidst the darkness by pointing out some positive notes about the topic. Or better yet, crack a joke as an ice breaker. Laughter is always a good medicine. When someone needs comforting, go ahead and lend an ear. But, do not burden the person with more negativity.

4. Have a go to person with whom you trust for advise.

We are just human, weak and most of the time because of our weakness, negativity creeps into our whole being. When this happens. It’s a good move to talk to someone who can give you advises and who will motivate you. An example of which is your church leader. It is wise to feed your soul with the Lord’s word of encouragement and promise.

But, you also have to be cautious with the people to whom who confide to. Trusting people with what you feel can be very easy but be wary of the person you confide to as it can lead to even more serious problems instead of fixing it. Make sure that the person can really be trusted and will not take advantage of the information or feelings that you share. When we are negative, we normally utter words that are unnecessary and most of the time exaggerated which will lead us into deeper trouble.

There are many ways on how to deal with negativity. By focusing on the positive side of every situation, you allow your self to be happier, at peace and a sunshine to others. It also allows opportunity to make others happy, keeping a healthy and happy environment.

Negativity on the other hand, can eat you making your day as cloudy as possible. It keeps you out of focus, deprives you of happiness, and limits your potential. Not to mention, pushing away the people you love. It is some kind of a disease in character that you wouldn’t want to keep for a long time.

So, whenever you feel that you are walking the road of negativism, you may want to create a check list of happy thoughts and take some of the things I’ve learned to start you with the 360 degrees turn to positivity. As I always say, it’s never too late to start. All you have to do is make the first step. I am still a work in progress if I may say, I sometimes make some wrong turns which makes my way like a zigzag, but hey, there’s no perfect path. What’s important is you are determined to walk the way of positivity rather than being negative at all times.

So, let us all keep our spirits high this new year. Be positive. And be an inspiration to others.