Most people don't realize how much of an effect our thoughts have on everything that we do in life. Emotions impact how we feel, the decisions we make, how we understand things, and so many other aspects of our lives. How we choose to think ultimately determines reflects the outcome of our day and life. Some people find it surprising that thinking more positively is a choice instead of something that is solely influenced by circumstance. Throughout life, everyone experiences grueling situations from time to time, but the key is how we choose to react to those situations. Having a negative attitude in the midst of a tough situation may appear to be the logical reaction, but that doesn't mean we have to adopt that type of attitude. Here are a few simple ways to embrace positivity:
1. Surround yourself with positive people.
It is true what they say: you are who you surround yourself with. Make sure the people you are with most are a good reflection of yourself. Don’t let them bring you down. Most people want you to do well, but not better than them, and those are the people that you most definitely do not need in your life. If they aren’t building you up, know enough to let them go.
2. Forgive yourself and be free.
Nothing is more unhealthy for your soul than holding yourself hostage and feeling guilty for mistakes you have made. Set yourself free. It is okay to make mistakes. You are not your mistakes; you amount to so much more than that.
3. Be kind to yourself and others.
Throw kindness around like confetti! It doesn’t hurt to be kind. It is important in life to always be kind. Remember that it is okay to take a night to yourself where you can to relax and stay in. Just like your cell phones, you too need time to recharge. Also, remember to be kind to others. It is the oldest rule in the book but probably the most important: treat those only as you wish to be treated.
4. Stop comparing yourself.
Comparing yourself to others in your life will only leave you feeling like you're not good enough for anyone or anything. Recognize you are your own person and love yourself for who you truly are because you are incredible.
5. Appreciate what you have and do not have.
Taking the time to step back and realize how blessed you are in life will leave you with a more appreciative attitude in the future. Sure, I bet your life isn't exactly perfect, but appreciating the little things in life such as good friends, a family that cares about you, or even the beauty of the world around you will help you realize that no matter what you're going through, you still have a good life.
One good way to realize all that you are blessed with is to keep a gratitude journal to write in daily, including good things that happened to you that day and things you appreciated having that day.
6. Live in the moment.
Worrying about what will come in the future will only prevent you from living in and enjoying the present. Most importantly, don't worry about what you can't control. Whether you believe in the theory that everything happens for a reason or that everything happens as it should happen or not, everything will work itself out somehow. Don't worry about something that hasn't happened yet; instead, focus on what is happening in the moment. Bad things happen to all of us, and it's OK to take time and deal with whatever it is. However, dwelling on the past forever will only prevent you from moving on. Try to take what happens to you and use it to help you grow or change!
7. Remove toxic people.
Some people come into your life to show you the value of close relationships. Other people come into your life to show you that sometimes you deserve way more what they are giving you. Don't let anyone hold you back or treat you the way you don't deserve. Toxic people can truly break you, so distance yourself from these people as fast as you can.
