By Joyce Raw

It is always a head-scratching moment when someone asks me how I remain such a positive person in a pessimistic world and, more importantly, how do I do it? Is it because I am a lucky person who always gets what she wants?  Is it because I have a fantastic counsellor? Or is it because I just do not realise what is happening in the world around me?  How can I be so positive when such a lot is wrong with the world today?

Well, it is none of the above.  Being positive, and creating positive vibes for those around you, is a way of life.  It is a choice anyone can make, despite the adversities they face, it is not a secret.  There is no trick.  So, how is it done and where do you start?

Here are some easy pointers to help you start:

  • Gratitude: If you want to read a good blog post on gratitude and being grateful, log on to http://www.leadershipintheraw.org Being grateful for what you already have, which may be considerably more than most, is a good start to feeling positive.
  • Start your day with a quick mental checklist. Did you wake up in a nice warm bed? (Check) Is your house still standing? (Check) Are your loved ones all ok? (Check). Is the earth still turning? (Check) Do you have enough money/food to take you through the day? (Check)  All positive vibes,
  • Look around you when you go outside. Feel the day. By that I mean taking notice of the weather; your surroundings; signs of life and fresh(ish) air.  If someone gives you eye contact on the street/bus or in the shop – smile (obviously only if it is safe to do so!), most people will smile back!  See, creating a positive vibe not just for you, but for others.
  • Give to others your time and a sympathetic ear. Listening to someone at the bus stop, railway station, shop, work or home is a cathartic exercise. It makes you feel happier about your own circumstances and may actually keep someone from harming themselves or others, or make them feel that they are not invisible in our big world.
  • Spread the love is a favourite saying of mine when I have helped someone. I truly believe that even the smallest act of kindness can make all the difference to someone’s life and is what makes the world keep turning. More positive vibes.

I am very fortunate in that I come from a large family where I learnt very early on that you are not the centre of the universe and that there are many others out there who will have less than you.  I am not saying that it is not okay to feel down or upset from time to time, especially where circumstances seem to appear to have plotted against you, but it is not okay to dwell in that trough of self pity.  YOU have the power to turn to the positive.

But, be very careful.  Being positive is highly contagious, it is not for the weak-hearted, and it is how we livelikearaw.

Source: http://www.livelikearaw.wordpress.com Twitter: @JoyceRaw1