I'm writing this more for myself than anything, but I hope that it encourages you to always look on the bright side of life. As I'm writing this,
On The Sunny Side of the Street by Steve Tyrell is playing on my iPod -
no joke!
My soul-sister,
T, called last night and our conversation turned to our pessimistic tendencies. I was able to admit some of my most ugly faults -
hey, she's my best friend and loves me for who I am. Turns out she and I are cut from the same cloth in regards to our negative views.
Pessimistic people are often the worst to be around. On the other hand, optimism is like gravity -
it draws people in.
If makings mountains out of molehills were a career choice, I'd be a millionaire. I stress and obsess over the most insignificant details in life.
A realization hit me:
I'm a 'glass half empty' kind of girl.
Ouch!
The truth hurts sometimes, I guess. We came up with a plan to help turn ourselves into the epitome of eternal optimists and agreed to hold each other accountable.
This whole
glass half empty thing consumed my thoughts last night and was on my mind constantly today. So, I did a little research on the topic and found there is an entire market devoted to this subject.
Just in time for July's Happiness Project.
Enjoy!
1. Have Gratitude
"It all starts with counting our blessings. If you are not grateful for
the good things in your life, you will never be satisfied. Take
inventory of the good around you. But don't neglect what's not great,
either: You also need to be grateful for the hardships, the obstacles,
the failures. Why? Because these are the points of wisdom in your
life. They give you strength, they teach you how to persevere, and they
form your resilience. Being thankful for every step makes life’s
hardships surmountable. All of this is the foundation of optimism;
being psyched about the good and the bad, and knowing that they all
point to a bright future."
2. Share Your Stories
"I believe we all have the capacity to live optimistically just by
sharing our life’s adventures, our successes and even our failures.
Just knowing others have been in the same boat and have persevered is
comforting. It spreads a message of hope, and hope is the main
ingredient in optimism. When we share our stories we are giving others
the tools they need to build, evolve, and persevere. In essence,
mankind is always 'paying it forward.'”
3. Forgive
"This is easier said than done but you need to forgive those that have
affected your ability to find the silver linings. I believe that the
easiest way to forgive and move on is to reflect on the fact that the
past is the past. Just look at it this way; the person that you are
having a hard time forgiving probably wishes that he or she could erase
the past as well. In summary, make peace with your past so that it
won't spoil the present. Once you accomplish this, you will close those
chapters and live a more positive and happy life."
4. Be A Better Listener
"When you listen you open up your ability to take in more knowledge
versus blocking the world with your words or your distracting thoughts.
You are also demonstrating confidence and respect for others.
Knowledge and confidence is proof that you are secure and positive with
yourself thus radiating positive energy."
5. Turn Envy and Jealousy Into Energy
"When we envy others we are only hurting ourselves. The universe does
not owe you because someone else is better off than you. Channel that
energy into building your personal and professional brand. Consider
other people’s success the catalyst to help you achieve."
6. Smile More - Frown Less
"When we smile we are creating a happy, stimulating environment around
us that draws others in. Frowning, on the other hand, shuts people out
and has the opposite effect. Happiness, even in brief doses, releases
Serotonin (the happy hormone). It makes the toughest days
surmountable."
7. Exercise, Eat A Healthy Diet, and Take In Vitamin D
"This may be common advice, but we all need some form of exercise and
sunlight every day even -- if it’s only for 15 minutes. If you can’t
get natural sunlight, ask your doctor about Vitamin D supplements and/or
light therapy. If you can’t get exercise during your busy schedule,
use the staircase instead of the elevator or park in the furthest
parking spot. Whatever it takes, keep yourself in healthy motion as
often as you can. Consider balanced meals and don’t push away those
fruits and vegetables. If you feel hunger throughout the day, consider
almonds and walnuts if you are not allergic. If you are predisposed to
allergies, consider frequent smaller meals throughout the day instead of
three larger ones. The energy we get from exercise, a healthy diet,
and light exposure gives us focus, clarity and a naturally positive
demeanor."
8. Be A Positive Forward Thinker
"Positive forward thinking is the ability to find the silver lining in
every cloud, apply it to today or yesterday and be hopeful that tomorrow
will be better. Imagine surgery; you think the worse and can’t wait for
it to be over. Take all that and start visualizing what the point of
the surgery is and what the results of the procedure will deliver. The
goal is good, it’s only today that may seem rough. Or picture a student
studying for a grueling exam. It may seem like the end of the world
trying to prepare and memorize all this information. But take that
energy and picture what your degree can do for your future. Like
anything else, working hard will always deliver results. Life is not a
lottery. It’s what you make of it."
9. Stop Blaming Others
"It is so easy to blame others for our position in life. People blame
the economy, politicians, bosses, and all types of third parties for
their problems. Once you truly accept that you control who you are, you
will find that optimism and success come naturally. Remember,
opportunity is usually found in the valleys, not at the peaks."
10. Understand That The Past Is Not A Blueprint For The Future
"Just because you've experienced adversity in your life does not mean
that what starts badly will end badly. Do not make bad experiences a
self-fulfilling prophecy of what lies ahead. On the contrary, know that
those milestones are behind you and the road to the future is clear."
Grab you coat, and get your hat. Leave your worries on the doorstep. And just direct your feet, to the sunny side of the street. Can you hear the pitter-pat? Yeah, that happy tune is your step. Life can be so sweet, on the sunny side of the street.
