I am often asked “how do you stay so positive”?. My first reply is always “is there any other choice?”, which often opens that door for people to vent and complain about how bad it is! Of course, this provides me with the opportunity to taking stock of all the assets in their lives. Soon thereafter, their energy changes and the opportunity to choose a more “positive” approach presents itself.
Taking inventory using the ’assets based approach’ is a great way to practice positive attitude. I realize that we all have choices in the way we look at situations. We can be positive or we can be negative. We can choose to get caught up in the drama or to stay in our side of the road.
I choose to be positive and spread optimism whenever possible. As a youth, I found myself travelling across the ocean, emigrating to a new land with my family and deal with some very difficult times. The first year living in Winnipeg, working full time in a factory basement with no windows, no ocean in site, no beach, no school, no friends, etc.etc, I was miserable and felt very negative. One day, after a conversation with my supervisor, she made me realize that I did have choices. I could continue to live feeling miserable and being negative, or I could change my attitude and seek out the possibilities of what my situation could provide me with.
I choose my attitude. It is a great feeling of self empowerment. Everyday new day I am given, I renew my commitment to choosing to be positive and optimismitc. I have had my share of dark moments, adversity, pain and sorrow. It is because of these times, that I am even more committed to learning from the situation, accepting and moving forward being gratefull for the good, the bad and the ugly. Over the years I have also learned to be generous with my positive and optimistic attitude, which has allowed me the ability to inspire others.
Once during a performance evaluation feedback, my manager only “criticism” was that I was “too perky”. I smiled and said ” I will be very happy to share with you and others how I stay upbeat and positive.
For those of you that know me, you may be seen the passionate, feisty and determined side of me. I have strong opinions on many different issues and when I genuine care about something, oh yeah it is visible. However, I will will end with a smile, a great deal of enthusiasm, and reflect on what to take forward that was good and positive, and how to use it to fuel me to go the distance.
Each new day provides us with the opportunity to have no fear or doubt about the future and to continue to move into our self-discovery. With each new day comes renewed hope in the possibilities, and the realization that everything happens for a reason.
-believe in the possibilities
-accept that you deserve the best
-be grateful for the small things gratitute-
-reflect on the lessons, accept and release
-enjoy the joy
Renew your commitment to practice being an staying positive. Optimism is like enthusiasm is contagious. Be prepared to share as you move forward in this journey.
Happy trails……….
