We all have past experiences that make up our beliefs and feelings.

We have the positive experiences that we want to remember and keep on repeat so we don't forget the good things in life....then we have the negative experiences that seem to never leave our minds that are like a recurring nightmare. Unfortunately, the positivity experiences are often overpowered by the negative thoughts.

We each have our negative and positive experiences, but it’s what we decide to do with those feelings when we go forward that can predict positive or negative outcomes.

We are all human and we were given feelings for a reason. We have feelings to express our needs and desires. Jesus even had feelings when He was on Earth and He still does. He showed compassion to children (Psalm 103:13), he wept when his friend Lazarus died (John 11), and he experienced joy (Mark 10:21). These are just a few examples to show that Jesus had emotions, too.

I encourage you to think about what you do with your emotions when you go forward. Do you take out your anger on others? Do you show compassion to others even when it is hard? Do you share your joyful experiences with others in your community? Are you choosing to be negative or are you choosing positivity?

It is okay to have feelings. It's normal. Whether they are positive or negative, you have to think about how to move forward with them to experience a good outcome. Choosing positivity can lead to much better outcomes.

Anger is a hard feeling to find positivity in. As humans, we often blow up about certain experiences, but the Bible tells us to be slow to anger.

James 1:19 says, "My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry."

With this verse, we can gain knowledge from James about how to react to experiences. We should listen to others and their feelings as well as being slow to speak and anger. Our reactions to experiences are like toothpaste and can't be put back once they are out in the open. Because let's be real. We've all experienced regret from our anger.

Compassion is another hard one sometimes. It is thought of as a positive word and feeling. But are we always compassionate, caring, and loving toward one another? Do we always speak words of kindness?

The answer to this is probably not so much because we are all guilty of saying unkind things about other people. Choosing to be positive with this emotion can be tough, but it can have such impacting outcomes. Sometimes we have to put ourselves in their shoes and think about where they come from. Because we all have different stories!

So, I encourage you to not think negatively about experiences or toward others. Instead, think two or three positive thoughts to set off the negative.

For example, if you become angry at your best friend, think about two or three positive aspects of their character. This helps you match the negative with the positive. After choosing positivity, you aren't nearly as angry.

My mom has always told me three positive statements:
1. When life gives you lemons, make lemonade!

2. Stressed spelled backward is desserts!

3. Look at the glass half full instead of half empty.

If I was ever complaining or had something negative to say, she would come back at me with one of the statements above.

The Bible tells us to also stay positive in one of my favorite passages:

Philippians 4:8 says, "Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things."

Friends, I encourage you to always think about your emotions, others' emotions, and how you can always turn things around with choosing positivity. Remember, you can't change the circumstances. You just gotta learn to roll with the punches and stay positive! God never gives you more than HE can handle. In your weaknesses, He is strong. Lean on Him, stay positive, and never forget that your emotions can be turned around for good! You never know how your positivity can impact someone else' life!

Radiate positivity, my friends. It is truly the best medicine!