Positives and Negatives

A couple of my friends make lists on their blogs. For Natalie, this week, it's been about things she does and doesn't like about each day. I've noticed that getting up early seems to be a theme under the negatives. But I've also noticed that her positive lists are on the whole longer than the negatives. :) The other friend, Vicki Smith, has a lot to grumble about, but decided to put a positive spin on things today and list the good aspects of her life.

And this is a good thing.

Too often we get bogged down in the negatives that surround us on a daily basis. And as a dyed-in-the-wool pessimist, I'm right down there. And there is a lot going on to be negative about. BUT... there are also a lot of things to be thankful for.

I'm working with my d-i-l right now to try to see the more positive aspects of our lives. It's not always easy. For instance, the other day, I got a rejection for a manuscript. I think I wrote about this a few days ago. Yes, it was a rejection. Just one more to add to the overwhelming pile. When I told my writer's group about it, they hushed me. Because, yes, it was a rejection, BUT... it was also an invitation to revise - and they gave me specifics that were wrong - and re-submit. And to submit anything else I had available. They liked my style.

A positive spin on a negative. It's something we all need to do more often. If you can find one thing to smile at in your day, one thing that makes you laugh, that's a good thing. Hold onto that thought; cherish it and nurture it. Who knows? It may lead to actual happiness. :)

***********

“Change can come in either of two important ways: Start behaving positively or stop behaving negatively.”- Dr. Phil McGraw