7 Steps to Positivity

Positivity isn’t easy. Let’s have a little exercise:

• Think of five bad things that happened to you yesterday. Then think of five good things that happened to you yesterday as well.
• Look at the person across you. Spot three negative things about his physical appearance. Then spot three positive ones.

Which came more naturally for you?

If it were the positive statements, good for you! If it were the negative ones, it isn’t surprising. Negativity comes so easily. Perhaps it’s all the stress we experience, all the bad news we read. We’re exposed to so much negativity that sometimes we don’t notice how it affects the way we think, the way we react, the way we view things.

Positivity isn’t easy. One has to work for it. But why be positive in the first place? If it’s easier to be angsty and brooding but still be productive in daily life, wouldn’t that be okay too? I suppose it would depend on each one’s personality. The last thing we would want is to ask someone to have a positive mindset when he or she resists it. It doesn’t come easily for everyone. However, if more people invested in positive thinking, I believe the world will be a better place. Do I wish for world peace then? I wish for a world of positive thinking.

Positivity Begins Here

Positivity takes effort in the beginning, but it will come naturally to you later on. I’ve experienced that the following tips can bring about positivity in your life slowly but surely.

1. Surround yourself with happy people. It is easy to be sucked into negativity when you’re with someone who is always angsty and cynical. I have some friends who are catty and cynical but still enjoy life and see the goodness of it. Balance is key. What’s important is that you don’t get dragged down by negative vibes of who you’re with. It just wouldn’t be worth it. Choose to be with people who have a healthy perspective of life.
2. Instead of asking “Why?”, ask “Why not?”. Instead of saying “No!”, say “What if…?” Being open to new things that come your way is a stepping stone to positivity as well. Explore, go on adventures, look at things with wonder.
3. Take care of your health. Eat right. Sleep well. Take your vitamins. Exercise. Even a little light walking everyday for half an hour can pave the way for better health. All that fat can literally weigh you down. When you feel your body is lighter and leaner, you will feel better about yourself, more confident, and more open to embracing positivity.
4. “Conceive. Believe. Achieve.” This is a line from a Tony Little exercise video. While he used it to motivate his audience to get fit, I’ve applied this line in other parts of my life as well. Conceive — think of the beautiful things you want for yourself; dream, dream, dream. Believe — leave no room for doubt; you are capable of making your dreams come alive. Achieve — pave the way for making your dreams come alive; take action!
5. Learn to laugh! Don’t take everything so seriously! Relax. Laugh from your belly, laugh from your heart. Laugh with someone. Be with someone who makes you happy, who makes you laugh.
6. Simplify. De-clutter. Clear away the things you don’t need on your worktable, at home, in your wardrobe, in your laptop, in your life. Throw away at least one thing a day that you don’t need — it’s just weighing you down. If you are in a neat space, there are less chances for you to be panicky. A clean and simple space will be much healthier for you.
7. Find joy in little things. Happiness can be grand, but can also be enjoyed in the smallest of things. Hot chocolate with marshmallows. Fresh bedsheets. A kiss on the forehead. A green light.

Positivity isn’t easy. But once it comes naturally to you, life will be so much more joyful to live. Say no to negativity and yes to positivity!

*****

This post is part of the The Power of Positive Thinking Group Writing Project organized by Kirsten Harrell of the Positive Thinking Blog. Entries submitted by July 15th will be compiled into an ebook.I was tagged by Em. Per the rules, I am tagging 5 people. I am tagging those who:

1. Find joy in the scent of new books.
2. Have danced in the rain.
3. Have made someone laugh in the past hour.
4. Like looking for teddy bears in clouds.
5. Have decluttered in the past week.

Are you tagged? 😉 Stay positive!

Hi! I'm Toni Tiu, and I've been blogging at at Wifely Steps since 2003. This started as a blog to help newly weds adjust to married life. It has evolved into a home and parenting blog. I write about things close to my heart -- good eats, good reads, family, marriage, and the little things that make everyday happy.