Positivity is Infectious But Not Always Easy

I’ve learned a lot from people in my life who have faced extreme adversity and still found the strength to be positive. While I strive to maintain a cup half full mentality, there are taxing times when I need some extra help to stay positive and upbeat. It’s so easy to go to the dark side and wallow in negativity. I have found that positivity and negativity are equally infectious so I do my best to walk on the positive side and share this energy with those around me.

Over the years I have picked up some strategies that may also be helpful to you when you are faced with a negative situation or toxic people.

• Come to terms with the fact that you can’t please everyone. Let some of the naysayers in your life go so you can surround yourself with a positive posse that celebrates your strengths.
• Celebrate your mistakes and learn from them.  You are human and embracing your flaws with humility will liberate you to focus on what you do really well.
• Don’t respond if you are not calm. Take the time you need to cool off from a confrontation or emotional situation so you can respond thoughtfully and intelligently.
• When faced with a negative situation – take a deep breath (or several). You may even count to 10 to give yourself the time to release the tension and regain a sense of calm.
• Admit your mistakes and learn from them.
• Always have a positive go-to friend to reach out to so you can clear your mind and focus on the positive when the need arises.
• Never go to bed angry – cleanse your mind of the negativity of the day so you can have a peaceful sleep and recharge for a new beginning.

According to Albert Einstein, in the middle of every difficulty lies great opportunity.  So try and keep your cup half full and celebrate the positive since you have the power to release the negative.