How to Stay Positive in a Not so Positive Experience

In the times we live in, it is easy to get caught up in the dooms day tell all, of our current situation. What, with the onslaught of media shouting at us from every avenue they can find, and the utter stupidity that landed us here. As well as that nagging question of just exactly how the "bail out" is supposed to help us, when it feels like we just got raped. Provides us with ample opportunity to seek out the dire facts of our impending complete financial breakdown, as though we are witnessing some heinous crime, which maybe we are. We don't want to look, but can't help keep from it, as the morose fascination of what is happening unfolds. All of this is so negative; it is enough to keep us from sleeping at night as our thoughts keep returning time and time again to the worst-case scenario. It is also so unhealthy, and it serves to keep us focused on what is going on outside of us rather than the inside. In effect, to keep us separated from our inner selves. If we are in a state of chaos, it is like a magicians trick because we are not focused on watching what they are doing next, making it easier for them to bend us over again. If we are focused to the point that we cannot listen to our own inner voice, and our intuition to discern correctly then it has achieved its most sinister goal. Because that causes us, as a society to be in a state of shock, and acting or making decisions out of fear, without thought and discernment, which in turn causes more chaos. Here is how to help re-focus some light back into our lives and our society!

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Lots of Will Power
• The Ability to try

1. Start a gratitude journal! Even if the most positive thought you can come up with in the beginning, is that your car has 2 good tires, or that your faucet isn't leaking. Forcing your self to find, even the most simplest of things to be grateful for, and doing so on a daily basis will help to quiet the storm of negativity, especially if you re-train your mind to seek out things to be grateful for throughout the day, every day.

2. Do not waist time worrying, CNN just had a link to a new book, article on how women worry more than men, this is another form of not being in touch with your inner voice and living in chaos. (Article cited in links)

3. When another bit of information finds it's way to you, whether you sought it out or it just landed there, try to put it into perspective without feeding the fear it causes, by re-focusing your attention to your gratitude for the things you have, and for what control you maintain over your life. By refusing to be caught up in the dooms day mentality, you are increasing your own personal control.

4. Realize it is a personal choice to stay positive in the midst of the chaos, but by doing so you will be; more aware of what is really going on, happier, well adjusted, and able to awake from sleep more rested, therefore, be more productive in what ever you set out to do.

5. Also, that someone, or a set of circumstances, cannot make you angry, scared, or put you into a state of panic unless you allow it to happen. You ultimately are in control of your own emotions.

6. As you practice your gratitude, the abundance of things to be grateful for will increase, making it easier to find things to write about in your journal.

7. The beauty of, being aware of gratitude, is that the more of us who are doing this, the more others will catch on, because a truly happy and positive person is contagious, in a good way!

Tips & Warnings

• Maybe cut back on the amount of news you choose to allow into your life. I agree it is important sometimes to be informed, but don't let the necessity of being informed become an all out obsession with the state of affairs. Check in to a trusted news source, and get the highlights, but be sure to check right back out again and always re-direct your mind back to gratitude and serenity.

Resources

• Women Who Worry

[rcamp004]

on 12/1/2008 This is a great article that reminds people of the basics of staying grounded and happy. 5 stars. :)

[Danarax]

on 11/21/2008 "...Sometimes an information diet is a very important thing..." (Paraphrased from 4 Hour Work Week by Time Ferris)

[Glencap]

on 11/7/2008 This is a very uplifting and spiritually sound article. It's important to make much effort to stay positive; especially when there appears to be so many reasons not to. Thank you for inspiring me.

[swilso1]

on 11/6/2008 This is important advice, especially now.

[swilso1]

on 11/6/2008 This is important advice, especially now.