I strive to be as positive as possible in all situations. To me, it seems to make life more enjoyable and manageable. By focusing on the positive things in life, I don't ignore the negatives. I just realize there will be some instances that occur where I have no control whatsoever in the end result. Stressing and cussing over it will solve nothing and only cause more unnecessary distress in my world. By focusing on what I can fix, I'm putting my time and energy to the best uses. My faith plays a huge role in this as well. I know that there will be situations that arise where only the intervention of God will make a difference. There's a reason and cause behind why something happens and I strive to learn and grow from those experiences as much as possible.
I came across a blog awhile ago by Ayo Olaniyan on the benefits of optimism. I bookmarked it and have referred it to friends and colleagues over the past year or so and used it for personal growth as well.
Some of the benefits he listed, that I truly appreciate and embrace are:
It reduces stress
It enables you to handle and put your emotions in check
It promotes happiness, self respect and integrity
It creates a positive anticipation of the future
It allows you to develop the attribute of patience (one of my weaknesses, I must admit!)
It makes you proactive
It gives you peace of mind
It increases you level of motivation
It promotes laughter
It creates positive expectations
It sets your mood for the day
It increases your spiritual development and awakening
It enhances effective communication
So just how do you become more optimistic? I must admit, it's not always easy and it took some serious mind shifts on my part. I found once I began purposely focusing on the positive things in my life and world, that I began to feel better mentally and emotionally. Things that would normally set me off on a tangent, seemed minute or amusing. I will admit that pessimistic people began to irritate me more and I found myself distancing and removing them from my circle.
Some suggestions from Ayo's blog on developing optimism:
Have realistic goals and expectations
Always remember we are human and all have imperfections
Acknowledge past events, but endeavor to manage the present with a view to creating a
brighter future (My favorite!!!)
Don't fall into the trap of feeling hopeless
Be true to yourself
Network with people who show optimism in their daily lives (it'll rub off on you!)
Believe in your dreams and potential (if you don't, who will?!?)
Have a blessed day, Divas! To those who have been touched by Hurricane Irene - our prayers and thoughts are with you. Stay safe and be smart in these days following the storm.
Divas With A Purpose has become a source of inspiration and motivation. It's about women being driven, inspiring, victorious and having a plan of action to become the best them they have been called to be. With collaboration, we are making our way through this thing called life as women, mothers, sisters, and friends.
Good info, I am working on this right now in my personal life. I just jotted down notes today about how it does take a lot of energy to be upbeat and positive. I think that is why its so easy for me to fall back into a negative state of mind. But being positive can become a habit and the energy its taking to establish habit will not be necessary once it becomes more natural. Sorry so long :-) But you were reading my mail today girl! lol
ReplyDeleteYou must have been sent to be our messenger because I, too, struggle with this all the time. I liked the part about not falling into the trap of feeling hopeless. That's a really good one. Thanks for sharing. Good stuff!
ReplyDeleteGlad the info was right on time ladies! I've seriously had the email flagged for almost a year and a half with the intention of writing a blog post referencing it!
ReplyDeleteAs always, thanks for the support!
~Michelle