I encourage you to click on the link and read the blog for yourself - it is a quick and easy read - but one that may just well change the way you see things today. It has me.
In his opening paragraph Dan sets the scene:
'I've been finding myself up against a lot of negative attitudes
recently, not least my own, and am really trying to continue to be
up-beat despite them. It seems that all around us we are encased in
walls of discouragement and in many cases, complete apathy (which is
even worse).'
Isn't this a very real observation? It is certainly one that I have noticed in recent months. And, like Dan, I have to admit that one of the worst examples of negativity has been my own. I have grumbled, complained, seen the worst in people or situations, and my enthusiasm and motivation has at times been buried deep. This is not something I am proud of, and I am not sharing this publicly to evoke kind and encouraging words from friends. Instead, I hope that by confessing this in black and white - I will be challenged and motivated to change.
This may seem a little dramatic, or over-the-top, but I honestly believe positivity is key to living life to the full and encouraging those around us to do the same. Don't misunderstand me, this doesn't mean we need to go around permanently smiling, singing, dancing, and viewing absolutely everything as wonderful. This is not positivity - it is ignorance and stupidity. Harsh? Yes perhaps, but we all know life does have its measure of disappointment, pain and hardship. So what does it mean?
At a simplistic level, I believe a positive attitude encourages us to see the good in people and situations instead of hunting out the bad. It changes our perspective from 'why is this wrong?' to 'how can I make this right?' and it requires us to love and forgive instead of holding grudges and hating. Simplistic this may be - but not easy to live out is it?
As Dan highlighted in his post, negative attitudes are all around us. However, this doesn't mean we need to conform and blend in does it?
We may be surrounded by a great wave of negativity, but we mustn't allow this wave to completely engulf us. Instead, we can get out our boards of positivity and ride the wave with motivation and enthusiasm. We can stay on top of the wave and not be dragged under and swept away by its force.
I have, for too long now, allowed myself and my attitudes to be drifted along by negativity. This needs to change. Our attitudes are contagious, and as a leader, I need to ensure I am setting the right example. I am sorry for the times I have witnessed my negative attitude rub off on others, and I am even more sorry that I chose to ignore this at the time. This is not the way I want to lead. Will you forgive me?
Today, is a new day. A new challenge. A new attitude. I am going to live, love and learn positivity. I am going to ignore the negative temperature set by my surroundings - and ensure I become my own attitude thermostat. I will be positive! I will see the good in people and situations. I will make every effort to positively impact those around me - and encourage them to ride the wave with me!
Dan - thank you - your positivity has already made a difference. The ball has began to roll ...
My tea has now gone cold, but I will go and order another one and smile as I do so!
I will leave you with a couple of nice attitude quotes - will you let them challenge you?
Attitude is a little thing that makes a big difference. ~Winston Churchill
Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable,
whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is
commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of
praise, think about these things.- Philippians 4:8
A
person who has good thoughts cannot ever be ugly. You can have a wonky
nose and a crooked mouth and a double chin and stick-out teeth, but if
you have good thoughts they will shine out of your face like sunbeams
and you will always look lovely. ~Roald Dahl
Hey couldn't agree more - have been on this journey myself this year - and after determining to be positive and encouraging, was disappointed (and angry) this week as I came up against other people's negativity - thanks for the encouragement :))
ReplyDeleteReally good one, though I would not have described you as the grumbling, complaining sort who sees the worst in people or situations (and that’s an observation, not an evocation of kind and encouraging words from friends!) It is very honest of you to open up in your blog, but also inspirational and indeed has made me reflect on my own attitude – so thank you!
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ReplyDeleteHi Jo,
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