If I've learned anything these last few years, it's that being positive in life will get you far. For the last few years, I've struggled with being sick, dealing with schoolwork, and being a student athlete. Not everyday was a walk in the park but it definitely helped when I had a positive outlook on my life and that things will always get better.
Being positive is sometimes easier said then done in most cases. I understand that when you're facing a large hardship in life the first thing that comes to mind is all of the negative thoughts. But what if we changed those negative thoughts into positive thoughts. Those positive thoughts can bring major positive energy into the hardship that you're facing.
Two years ago I faced a hard situation in life, I had to have a major surgery that could have potentially changed my life and made it more difficult and challenging. Instead of going into the surgery thinking about all the negative and bad things that could happen, I went into the operating room with a giant smile. I was feeling completely positive about what was about to happen. I believe that my positive attitude towards the situation helped me deal with the tough time I was facing.
Now, you're probably reading this thinking it's not that easy. But, think about every hard and tough moment you've ever faced in your life. Whether that be a major surgery, a death of a loved one, failing a test, getting in a car accident, or even a bad breakup. Were the thoughts that passed through your mind at those times negative? If so, that's okay.
Now think about all those different scenarios I listed. What If instead, we decided to think about more positive things in relation to those hardships. For example, did that major surgery make you feel better in the end? Did the death of your loved one make you remember all the positive and fun times you had with them? Did that bad breakup lead you to find someone that's better for you?
I think nowadays in our society it is much easier to point out all the negative and bad things that are happening in our own lives and in the world itself. Think about how much better life would be if we all starting viewing things in a positive perspective and stopped focusing on all of the bad, and started focusing on all of the good.
Yes, it's okay to have those negative thoughts here and there. We're all human, if you want to throw yourself a pity party and lay in bed all day and be sad and negative. That's okay. OR, instead of having a pity party you could celebrate your life and the day you are given and blessed with. Positive thoughts can take you far in life, you just have to be willing to view things in a more positive manner.
I leave you with a quote by Harvey Fierstein, "I do believe we're all connected. I do believe in positive energy. I do believe in the power of prayer. I do believe in putting good out into the world. And I believe in taking care of each other."