The Choice of a Positive Outlook

In today's busy world where we are bombarded with bad news on tv, the radio and the internet on a constant basis, having a positive outlook can be a challenge to say the least! Postive thinking can lead to good health, low stress, and even happiness! But how does it happen? People are constantly telling us "oh don't worry about it." But how? How do we stop worrying? How do we stop having "bad days"? Let me give you some suggestions...

When I first met my husband, I was amazed at the way he stayed calm when most people worried. At first I thought it was because he didnt care. I wondered how he could care if he didnt get upset and fret and complain? But as I grew to understand him better I have learned that he cares very much but he chooses not to complain or to worry...how do those things help us anyway? He has taught me a lot about doing what is important while maintaining personal sanity and casting any negativity aside.

When we get absorbed in the negativity of life we lose some of the ability to act positively and run the risk of drowning in negative thoughts. Complaining is a symptom of having allowed yourself to become absorbed in negativity. We all know those people who complain constantly...it seems like nothing good ever happens to them, and even when something good seems to happen they can always find the downside. Its not to say that there is never a downside, but these types of people never seem very happy to me and always seem to have one health problem or another. Getting absorbed in negativity is the first thing one has to get rid of if they are to make a choice to have a positive outlook. I realize, however that this is easier said than done. It is a process that doesnt happen over night.

When something bad happens, rather than embracing it and taking it personally we need to learn to change how we think about it. For example, if you work in the service industry and you have a rude customer, rather than letting it ruin your day and your mood, try and show some compassion, perhaps something bad has happened to that person, try and do something nice for them. A smile can be contageous. Rather than taking everyone's bad mood personally make the choice to be in a good mood, smile and spread the cheer!

With larger life issues that can bring us down, like a sick family member, a divorce, a disagreement with a loved one, cast your worries aside. Do what you can to help or rectify the situation and then leave it in God's hands. You are only a person, you cannot fix everything and should not have to carry all of life's burden's on your heart all the time. Do your best to apologize to those you wronged, forgive those who wronged you, ask for help when you need it, and offer help when you can. It is about letting go of all of those things sitting in your heart that are keeping you from having a positive outlook. It is your choice, you can keep the negative or let it go to make room for the positive.

My husband will never tell you he had a bad day. In fact he believes there is no such thing as a bad day. This was a hard concept for me to grasp...for me "bad days" had been a regular occurance. To him each day is a gift. He is thankful for challenges because they teach him, he is thankful for his job even when it is not pleasant. I marvelled at his ability to see each day as a "good day" no matter what happened. When I started to try and adopt his philosophy I discovered it worked! Just when I decided in my mind that I was having a "bad day" I would try and find something good in it, when I found something good I realized that a few bad things don't ruin a whole day unless you let it! Its a choice! Each day we are alive is a gift there is so much to be thankful for so why do we focus on the things that make us unhappy?

Readjust your thinking...bad days are choices we make!

Ultimately having a positive outlook is up to you! Its a choice we make everyday. You can never control what others say or do to you but you can control your reaction. By choosing the positive route, as briefly outlined, you will be happier and healthier than ever before. You will have a peace within you that will leave people looking at you in awe. I think is a choice that's worth making.