Being negative is second nature to every human being. Whether they try to fight it, say otherwise or come up with another excuse as to why that is not the truth, just know it's a crock of shit. Do not tell me that you wake up in the morning absolutely ecstatic about a 12 hour work day or a 4 a.m. run in the middle of January because I absolutely do not believe you. If I am ever in a situation like that I will be the first to admit that my first thought would be, "Wow this day is going to suck." Maybe I'm too honest, maybe I'm just a ball of negativity, or maybe I'm just the only one brave enough to admit it. The point is, it is so much easier to be negative about something that does not seem appealing. If you do not want to do something, why would you be excited about it or have a positive outlook? This is basic logic, right? Well, I carried out this easier mindset of life for a long time until I realized I could not have one more day of a shitty outlook. I turned it around and you can too!
I am not going to bullshit you, it is not easy. It is so hard to be positive. It is so hard to be happy with a radiant outlook on a shitty day. It is definitely gradual. Some days may be easier than others, some may be harder. Despite this, there are easy ways to begin emitting your new positive energy to the world.
First, I wake up every morning and think of something I am thankful for. It could be as small as, "Thank God I don't have an 8 a.m. today," or as big as "I am thankful to be healthy and alive today." By starting this way, I already have a small positive tid-bit to get my day started.
Next, I do something small to kick start my morning that I know will make me feel good. This could be listening to my favorite song while getting ready, making a hot cup of Caramel Vanilla Fudge coffee, or picking out the outfit I was imagining in my head all day yesterday. In short, leave yourself enough time in the morning to be able to ease into your day. It can be difficult at first, but it really makes a difference in your mindset as you enter your day.
My next step differs by the day. If I have class, I prepare myself to be excited. Class is one step closer to the career of my dreams, class is one step closer to not having to go to class anymore, or even being excited for the small fact that my professor promised to bring us donuts that day. If I am going to the dreadful gym, I prepare myself to get hyped up for the best workout possible. I think about how beautiful the commons will look on this crisp autumn morning or how many options I will have at the gym because I woke up early enough to avoid the rush. If I have work, I think about the fact that as draining as my days can be I get to work with my best friend, Amanda, and find something to giggle uncontrollably over. Life is about the little things, I always use the little incentives to make my day brighter. I continue things similar to this throughout my day. It truly makes a difference.
You can do it too. It may seem silly at first or forced, but it is possible. Anything is possible really if you put your mind to it. The more you do these small things in your day, the less it becomes extra tasks and just apart of your everyday routine. Positivity is not a destination, it's a journey. With all journeys, there are good and bad days. As long as you continue your journey, you are winning. Your start, your pace and your setbacks do not matter. All that matters is that you are on your journey and committed to continuing.
It may be easier to be negative and look at the glass half empty, but it's a hell of a lot better to look at the glass half full. I chose to make everyday positive for my own mental health. I chose to make everyday positive to be able to emit that energy to others to give them the strength to be positive too. Not every day is good, but there is good in every day. Nothing rewarding ever comes out of negativity and that is why I decided to make this change. The best advice I could give anyone is if you love life it will love you right back.
