Spring is in the air here in the Midwest. It’s time for the rebirth of nature, warmth and the promise of summer to come. It’s also gloomy, cool and rainy — will winter never end? How you look at spring says a lot about your orientation toward positivity.
What is positivity?
Positivity is a mindset that combines optimism and acceptance. It’s different from happiness, which is a mood that comes and goes. Positivity, on the other hand, can endure. It is a choice that you can always make and always learn.
Why go positive?
A positive orientation can boost intelligence, creativity and energy levels. This translates to:
Self-assessment
Do you have a positive mindset? Your responses to three simple questions will show where you are today and what areas you can work on:
- Perspective. Do you view stress as a challenge, rather than an obstacle?
- Acceptance. Are you able to make peace with what you can control and what you cannot?
- Choice. Do you recognize that it takes conscious effort and making the decision to be happy?
If you answered “yes” to any of these questions, you’re on your way to establishing a positive mindset. If not, no need to worry — start now with some simple practices to lead you down the positivity path.
Here’s an even quicker and easy way to prop up your positivity if you find yourself going negative. Take in a big, deep breath and then slowly, completely let it out. While doing so, choose one of these phrases to say to yourself:
- Breathe in positivity, exhale negativity.
- Inhale courage, exhale fear.
- Inhale the present, exhale the past.
- Breathe in, calm your body. Breathe out, smile and relax.
Some people come by positivity naturally, just like some people are naturally more fit than others. But just like you can exercise your body to improve your physical health, you can also boost your well-being with mental and emotional training. Remember, your mind is a powerful thing. When you fill it with positive thoughts, your life will begin to change for the better.
