The Myth of Positivity - Fake It or Work Through the Pain?
I agree, it's probably healthier for us, if we have a positive outlook, perspective and mood. But, is it really PRETENDING to have a positive mood that works? Recently, I saw a friend post a resolve to be surrounded only with positive people this year. I'm generally a positive person, but I had to stop and wonder, "Am I positive enough today to still send a message?" Of course, I laughed at the thought. And, I didn't, but because I became distracted writing this post!
Perhaps pretending works as a short-term strategy, to get out of an emotional pit... But, isn't it the BECOMING positive, that makes us positive? Don't we need to take the time to walk across the bridge to get to the other side? If so, truly supportive friends and family will walk with us across the bridge, not stand on the other side yelling back "I only hang out with positive people." I mean no offense to the poster of the original message; the intent was likely in the right place, although the implementation created wonder.
If one of us isn't feeling positive, whether that's today, this week, this month, this year, or even this decade, how about if we walk the bridge to becoming positive together?
I imagine that most people want to become positive, if they are not. It's the just "being" positive, when one isn't feeling it, that seems to cause discomfort.
Ideas for truly getting to positivity:
Know what makes you happy
Know what you like to do
Name your problems
Create a plan, even if incomplete or on a small scrap of paper
Know what you want, even (likely) if unrealistic
Spend some time outside of your problems to get a break and become more creative
Spend some time on your strategies
Allow yourself to enjoy the work you've planned to do
Ask people around (who can), if they'll help with a specific goal
Help others in ways that support and don't distract you from your plans
Avoid people who only want to be around positivity :) Just kidding...
If it is true that what you think is what you create (like plans, goals, aspirations), if you have a problem, think of the solution, rather than dwell in the pain. Notice the pain, so it doesn't become demanding, and allow yourself a break for getting there. But, plan, even if in a few grand steps... or great detail... how you'll get to where you want to be.
What are your thoughts on positivity and getting there... fake it until you make it, or go through the pain to get to the gain? I'd love to hear.
I hope you have some moments of positivity in your day.
Best wishes,
Lisa
https://steemit.com/@lisachandler
Images courtesy of Google search results (because it's always interesting to see what comes to the top) for "happy face"