Do you have the Steemit blues? I know exactly how you are feeling. As humans when things don't go quite as we wish it is easy to slip into a mind of negativity.
However ...
You cannot have a positive life and a negative mind. – Joyce Meyer
Not to mention negative thoughts are considered the #1 cause of chronic depression ...
There was a time, a time of youthfulness. A time of confusion, a time of finding my way in life. Full of anger, negative energy, and a seemingly never-ending supply of negative thoughts and even sometimes rage. Luckily it was very short-lived and I was able to break free from the negativity - most days.
In my journey in life to be a better man, a better husband, and a better dad I have made a conscious effort into making positive changes for the greater good for a life of happiness and fulfillment.
It’s probably impossible as humans to have purely positive thoughts, but we are capable of controlling the impact they have.
So what can we do to live a less negative life, so we can become better men and women?
Positive Circle of People
Humans are social by nature. It’s natural that we surround ourselves with other people. We do it to fit in, or to have a common ground, or we enjoy the company. It seems obvious that we should be naturally surrounding ourselves with like-minded, positive people, right?
You have that one person in your circle of friends, no matter the environment will be negative. For years, you have shrugged this friend off as “it’s just the way it is.” But why? Why include negative people to live within your circle, especially if is impacting you in a negative way.
I don’t suggest to just “unfriend” this friend like Facebook, or in the case of Steemit, unfollow them.
I will share a technique I use. Allow that person to continue their negativity, however during the conversation, purposely change it to a positive conversation for them. It works very well. Eventually, most people catch on to what you are doing, and will start conversing with you in an almost exclusively positive way.
Take a close look at your circle of friends and family. If there are certain individuals influencing the negative thoughts, it’s probably a good idea to stop or severely limit interaction with them. Once you find yourself surrounded by positive influences you will realize the ease of being positive yourself. Later, when you are in a good positive place you can go back to those negative influences, and try my technique to convert them to positive interactions.
Positive Physical Activities
Walking, running, snowboarding or a trip to your local gym. All great ways to rid your thoughts of negativity. Physical activities make us feel good about ourselves naturally leaving us with a sense of accomplishment.
I love going for a long walk. I have a 6-year-old, who now, is going through an ugly stage in his young life. He often leaves me feeling frustrated. A long walk often helps me interact with him in a much more positive way. It gives me enough time to really think. I find myself responding to him in a much more loving, teaching and life-long affecting way.
Find that one activity for yourself, that you truly enjoy. Utilize it in those times of need, when you really need that positive vibe.
Smile – At every one
Several years ago I started doing my own little personal social experiments. For a one week experiment, I made a real conscious effort to smile at every single person I made eye contact with.
Not only did I find myself feeling inspired and positive, I could see it affected others the same. Approaching a person who looked to be in a negative state was affected by the small gesture, even if for only a moment.
The simple act of a smile is such an easy gesture. Why not spend our lives with a smile, we look better that way anyway.
Creative Outlet
Focusing on a creative outlet such as writing takes us to our own place of bliss and happiness. I spend a great deal of time writing, I love it, it inspires me, and makes me a positive person. There are many creative outlets: writing, reading, beading, photography or whatever your favorite hobby.
If you find yourself not really having a specific creative outlet, you should find one! Everything we see, hear and use was created by a creative mind. Don’t be afraid to find your stamp on life. Find something that inspires you, leaving you feeling positive.
Happiness lies in the joy of achievement and the thrill of creative effort. – Franklin D. Roosevelt
Put Effort into it
Smile at others offers them a ray of sunshine for that moment. Sit down write a poem to share with the world, go for a swim at midnight to capture the beauty of the nighttime sky and moon. Spend the limited, precious moments of life with those who truly want to be happy with you. It’s all too short not to.
No magical bullet, book, blog post will make your negative thoughts disappear. You have to commit to a life of happiness and positive thoughts. I could write a list of “1,000 Tips to Rid Yourself of Negative Thoughts,” but at the end of the list, you would still need to find it within yourself.
Our thoughts are one of those things that can be habitual, there for can be changed. You, only limited by yourself, can make the change towards a positive life.
It’s in you, find it, capture it, live it.
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