Staying Positive

I am still a novice in this field of blogging however, I just think this is nice and so I have decided to share it.

Every day comes with great potentials, be it positive or negative. One cannot be so sure of which would occur but most of us do hope we get the best from each day; the best each day has to offer. So, we set about our businesses for the day and everything seems pretty nice, working according to plan. We are happy about it and feel fulfilled at the end of the day. That’s the easy part.

What then becomes of us when things don’t go exactly as we expected them to? We may lose a loved one, misplace some money, or miss out on some opportunities which may be rare and believed to come just once in a person’s lifetime. What if we fell ill, missed our trains, missed our flights, arrived at work late or got stuck in some traffic (annoying as that could be)? What if we don’t get credits from our employers for work done or we put in so much but reap lean yields? What if something even worse than these happen? It then becomes difficult to retain the joy we may have woken up with or keep up a good disposition. In all these, it is of great importance that we are optimistic. It is of great necessity that we stay positive. 

Being positive means remaining certain that better things lie ahead. It means to be optimistic, looking ahead with hope and confidence that the sun will shine. It may not be easy, it would not be easy but in the long run, it would be worth it.

However, when we become positive, how then do we stay positive? How do we continue to be optimistic when our rent is up and the landlord has served a quit notice? How do we remain confident when we do not have the slightest idea of when and from where our next meal will come? How do we hold on to our hope when school fees have not been paid, when the health of a loved one is steadily deteriorating and the doctors have given up trying? The times when our prayers seem not to be answered and we just do not know the offence we have committed against God?

Below are some of the paradigms that work.

Pray some more and meditate on God’s word. Sometimes we miss out on the fulfilment of our heart desire because we stopped praying at the point where we were just a step away. God’s word is explicit on what God wants for us and the good part is that He is able to make it happen. I take solace in knowing that God won’t and can’t lie. Keep meditating; your faith will grow and so will your optimism.

Surround yourself with positive people. Our sub-conscious reflects on almost all information it receives and this affects our mood and actions a great deal. The company of negative, pessimistic, it-can’t-get-better people can feed our minds with garbage. When our minds have nothing else to reflect on but garbage, then there is a serious problem lurking around. I’d rather have two friends who look up than a million friends who don’t think it’s a good idea to even try.

Shut bad news out of your mind. Just like negative people, bad news can also demoralise and rob you of your reasons to keep on hoping. Instead of subscribing to channels where you will only get to see wars, hunger, pain, rape or listen to news of terrorism and the like, subscribe to the peace you have in you that calms you.

Keep saying positive things. I do this every time. Speaking words of hope to yourself is a sure way of keeping cool and smiling all day long. Say it, don’t stop talking it- ‘things are gonna get better’, ‘my good days are up ahead’, ‘I know I’m gonna make it’, ‘It ain’t over till God says so’, ‘nothing can steal my joy’. Just keep speaking great words to yourself. It is an antidote to negativity and sorrow.

Wouldn’t you rather be among the lot who will face a challenge and remain positive that it can be solved, than those who face challenges and let the challenges steal the joy of living from them? The ball is in your court, you are to decide for yourself.

I do hope this has helped you. It is a pleasure, and yes, you are welcome.