Given recent happenings in the country and the world, I've decided we could use some positivity. I, for one, am sick of seeing such hate and watching the news promote so much negativity. With media and the government, there is little beauty and kindness in the world. Well, our title character from Shakespeare's Hamlet suggests, "There is nothing either good or bad, but thinking makes it so." Now, I will spare you the long meaning of the quote and give you a mere laymen's terms definition. How I understand it, this quote is saying that it is our perspective on situations that makes them either good or bad. We can choose to see how evil and negative this country, this city, this world is or we can choose - not to be blinded but - to see what true beauty this world has to offer. Believe me, I know this is much easier said than done. I have seen so much negativity everywhere I turn. It pains me. However, it is not my place to post a rant on a social media page and complain about things I don't like. After all that gets you nothing but the attention and validation you have been seeking instead of solving anything. That being said (and not negating people's feelings) I think we (myself included) can use few tips on how to be positive and see the many good things that surround us on a daily basis.

1. Try to find the optimistic viewpoint in every situation. Is everything going to go they you'd like it to? No. That's life. This tip is not always an easy one. This tip is not meant to dismiss your feelings of anger, but instead of being angry (even though it may be justified) try and find the positives.

2. Think: Can you change it? If there is something that is upsetting you, instead of crying about it or feeling hurt, look at your options. Is this situation something you can change or control? If so, then go out there and change it. Be the change you want to see in the world. Familiar with the Serenity Prayer? Grant me the serenity to accept the things I can not change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference. Now, you may not be religious, spiritual, or the "praying type" but this can be used for a quick meditation on trying to look at whatever you're dealing with as a whole.

3. Surround yourself with positive people. This one sounds a bit obvious, yet so many people continually surround themselves with the "wrong" people. This does not only apply to people, but Facebook posts. If people are posting negative comments or videos or whatever have you, perhaps block them from your news feed. What you do there is up to you, but you deserve people you have the like-mindedness as you. Do not waste your time with someone who wants to do nothing but gossip or "subtly" put you or others down. This is not high school. You are not Regina George or any character from Mean Girls. You do not necessarily have to cut these people from your life, but maybe do not participate in those negative conversations or try changing the subject.

4. Learn to take criticism in a healthy way. Before you do that, please know the difference when someone is trying to hurt and offend you and when they are trying to give you criticisms. People fear criticism and that often makes them hesitant from accomplishing what they want. Try to be understanding. Truly listen to the criticism. Keep in mind that the critique is not always about you; it is not always a personal attack. Respond to the critiques or let it go. You can take what is being said into consideration or you can dismiss it.

5. Be mindful. When you spend your time being mindful and being present, it can be a lot easier to think and react positively. There is nothing wrong with being worried about the future or still holding on to the past, however, that can be a big factor in your lack of positivity. Be present. If you have trouble doing so, try breathing and noting your senses at that moment: What do you hear? What do you smell? What do you feel? Etc.

Being positive is not always easy. With practice and time you can improve how positive you are on a day to day basis by following these tips.