The Other Way
I was born to be positive.
Literally … my blood type is B+.
It makes me happy to know that optimism is in my blood. Even when I experience times when I’m less so.
But an outlook is more than just how you see the world.
An outlook is worth a thousand thoughts, words, decisions, or actions.
An outlook can make or break a moment, a situation, a day or a life.
And we have a choice in defining our outlook.
We can focus on making that outlook a positive one. Or not.
We (a.k.a you, me, us, the world, and everything in it) are in the ‘dwang’ in countless ways. There’s a lot going on out there. And new challenges get thrown at us every day. It can feel heavy and claustrophobic at times, which makes it easy to default to the negative. Yes, there’s lots to do. But we’re more likely to get more of it done, if we can be positive doing it. There’s always room to still have hope. Always.
And, in my experience, there’s always another way to find your way through. Always.
If we focus on the positive, we’re more likely to be open to finding that other way. We are more likely to find the solutions to the difficult situations we find ourselves in.
When we incorporate kindness, generosity and optimism into our outlook, we can’t help but be positive too.
If you’re struggling to focus on the positive in this weird, isolating and disjointed time of liminal pause, here are three activities to help change your outlook:
1. Name one positive thing about You.
What is one thing you really like about yourself? It could be your quizzical eyebrows, your elegant toes, or your friendly smile.
Or what positive comment or compliment has a trusted friend or family member said about you? Maybe your crazy hair, whistling skills or outspoken opinions are more valued than you realise.
2. Reach out to say ‘hi’.
Who haven’t you heard from in a while? Pick two people in your contact list to spring a surprise ‘hello’ on.
Perhaps they’re not feeling so positive. Perhaps they need to hear that they are in your thoughts, to brighten up their day and change their outlook.
3. Write down three things you’re grateful for. Every day.
They could be little things (the Robin singing in your apple tree), or lovely things (a thoughtful card from a friend), or big things (a new job offer).
What are the small instances in your day-to-day that remind you that life is wonderful, that there’s hope, that there’s another way?
Contemplating these things in our outer world — things which bring joy and appreciation — takes the focus off ourselves and our problems.
These are small actions that can have a profound effect on our outlook. They may not change what’s happening in the world, but they change our approach to dealing with it.
Trust me, I know.
After I lost my way several years ago, these simple exercises helped to remind me that I could be positive once again. Chronic stress and overload had pushed me into a dark hole of depression, anxiety and burnout, which kept me trapped for more than a year. These activities contributed to me slowly turning my life around and seeing the light again.
