I truly believed that I was a “glass half-full” type of person. I still believe, overall, that I am, but if I’m being honest with myself I must recognize that I can see a negative situation coming from a mile away. To some degree, I can label it as being cautious and ready for any situation. But on a daily basis, I knew a change had to happen.
In a previous post, I talked about forward-focused questions and children. Since then, I learned that I also need to make a move towards being more positive and be an example for my kids. Over the last 18 months or so, I’ve made some real effort to adopt a more positive mindset. Throughout this journey, I have heard common advice about leading a positive lifestyle.
Provide a Stream of Positive Thoughts
If you’re looking for ways to have a more positive outlook, learning from others is a good place to start. Listen to those who have given inspirational speeches. There are plenty of motivational videos and playlists on YouTube. Or pick up a good book that moves you in the right direction! Whether you are listening to or reading celebrities, experts, or everyday people talk about how they incorporate a more positive lifestyle, you are giving your own mind a more positive path to follow.
Practice Morning Meditation
A few years ago, you couldn’t ask me to sit in silence for more than two minutes. I thought it was a bit hokey. I did give it a try for a few weeks. At first, it seemed difficult to even find the two minutes. It wasn’t long until I did notice the positive effects. I felt calmer at the start of my day and more patient with others especially my children. I also realized the difference it made when I missed the opportunity to meditate. Mornings feel more rushed and I leave my house feeling frazzled. I now make it a priority to take a minute or two for myself every morning to sit (or lay down) in silence, taking slow deep breathes, and listening to sounds around me. Sounds corny, I know, but what a world of difference it has made. I also take this time to say a short prayer of thanks and reflect for a moment.
Keep a Gratitude Journal
One of the most common advice I hear in living a more positive life is to practice gratitude. What a better way of having a positive mindset than to focus on the reasons you already know make your life great? It sounds so simple and yet we may be taking the act of gratitude for granted. We soon realize that there many things to be grateful for once we put our lives into perspective.
For some, like myself, living a positive lifestyle takes practice. I hope to be an example for my kids to be resilient and able to see the brighter side to any given situation.
