Positive Attitude
This is a tough one for me. The topic of “positive attitude” really hits close to home. I think that this is something that I’ve always struggled with. I’ve learned through my 32 years that it really helps to surround yourself with positive people who have a “mostly sunny” outlook on life. I think I tend to be “mostly cloudy” with the sun peeking through in a few spots. Some people call it pessimism, I usually call it “realism” (be it good or bad). I need to work on that. I always need to work on that.
Who wouldn't want this?
I do think that there’s a balance to be struck between “pie in the sky” totally unrealistic “everyone-gets-a-pony-for-their-birthday-go-ahead-and-ask-the-boss-for-a-raise-you-deserve-it” syndrome and being “peter-party-pooper”. There needs to be an element of reality and context in optimism, but life sure feels better when you can find joy in the little things; when you can get to the point of being able to let things truly roll off your back because you have things in perspective and can really comprehend on a daily basis what’s important and what isn’t. We need to learn to extend grace and mercy to those around us.
Like almost every other topic assigned for us to discuss, a positive attitude really can’t be faked. (For those of you faking it and thinking you’re fooling everyone. You’re not. WE CAN TELL YOU’RE FAKING.) Seriously, having a positive attitude will help carry you along through tough times and through hard decisions. We’re all only human and can only do the best we can with what we’ve got. Make the best of it! Things may not always go right (gasp!), things break and wear out (shocker!), you won’t always have the things you want (horror!). As best summed up by the Eagles: Get over it!
However, being positive doesn’t mean taking hardships lightly or dismissing other people’s concerns or issues. I think to be truly, honestly positive you should stop and listen. Try to understand the other persons perspective and then try to lovingly communicate yours. You don’t always have to solve the problem or have the right answer, sometimes just listening is more than enough.
A positive team player can be invaluable, especially in times of craziness and high stress. Someone who can remain positive and help think of solutions instead of constantly complaining or pointing out the obvious problems can be the hero.
I think we also need to be mindful of how sarcastic we are. Sarcasm is caustic and will eat away at your outlook on life. Be careful of how poorly you speak of others, whether you’re by yourself or not. You might start to really believe what you’re constantly saying.
Well, enough stream-of-consciousness for one post. Be positive! Otherwise the stress will kill you.
But don’t let that stress you out.
Until next time,
Cory
