The following tips will assist you in developing a positive attitude.
” Listen to your inner dialogue. Keep a log for a few days, write in the left side of a note pad all the negative thoughts that you hear yourself say. Rewrite each thought in a positive way on the right side. Practice doing this in your mind until positive thinking becomes a habit. (Example, “I’ll never get this finished day!” Change to: “I will finish most of this today, and I can finish it tomorrow.”)
” Connect to your spirituality. Research has shown that those who connect to their spirituality live longer, more satisfying lives. The secret is to practice your spiritual beliefs, either through organized spiritual associations, meditation or connecting with like minded people.
” Allow yourself to love and be loved. The ability to love and be loved is the most basic human need. We have become disconnected from this basic need – fear-based emotions (depression, loneliness, anxiety, guilt and anger) are the symptoms. Find ways to reconnect with others is extremely helpful in developing a positive attitude.
” Laugh and find humor in the simple things. Laughter is a powerful mood elevator. If you are feeling down, read some jokes, watch a funny movie or just act “silly.” See the world through a child’s eyes.
” Let go of your “emotional baggage” that holds you back from true enlightenment. All that you require is already within you, so avoid giving your power away by blindly following others. Trust in the goodness that resides within your heart. If you have difficulty letting go of your ‘emotional baggage,’ or feel ‘blocked’ engage with a hypnotherapist/holistic practitioner.
” Learn to communicate effectively. Not saying the things you feel leads to a sense of frustration, hurt, anger or anxiety. If you find communicating difficult, take an assertive communications course.
” Plan leisure and socializing. Reconnect with friends or make new friends, take the dog for a walk, visit an art gallery or listen to your favorite music. Enjoy a long, relaxing bath, read a book, tell your child a story, or ask an older relative to tell you about their life. It is the simple things in life that give us the most pleasure.
” Offer your assistance. A simple act of helping others compels us to feel good. Help a neighbor, volunteer for a cause or organization. Contact non-profit organizations and volunteer your time and expertise.
” Engage in new physical and mental activities to improve confidence and learn new skills. Learn new words or new topics to build confidence. Learn and follow the principles of holistic health – better nutrition and exercise helps improve mood and attitude.
” Stop listening to the news. Mainstream media focuses on drama–fear, negative thoughts and emotion. If you think your life will be in jeopardy if you do not know the latest breaking news, test your theory by not listening to the news for two weeks. Notice if your life is negatively impacted by not hearing the news. Think about it, has the news prevented anything? No! They dramatize the event after the fact.
Does the weather man really compel you to carry an umbrella or wear a warm coat? Carry an umbrella in your car and brief case, then you are equipped for any weather. After not watching the news, my hunch is that you will notice that you are feeling calmer, less frustrated and more at peace. When you feel calm, less frustration and more at peace you can manifest a positive attitude more easily.
