by Jaz
Negativity is contagious. Don't believe me? Think of that one co-worker you have - you know the one. You walk into work and say "Good morning!" and she says "Girl, not really. You won't guess what happened with me and my man last night..." And just like that, you're drawn in. Your happy, great night sleep, today-I'm-gonna-conquer-the-What's odd to me is that positivity is not nearly as contagious. Have you ever noticed just how difficult it is to cheer a person up once he or she has decided to be down in the dumps? You pull out all of the stops and they can still give you countless reasons why they just can't snap out of it.
Why is that? Why is negativity so much easier to "catch" than positivity? I've actually got some theories about the subject.
1. Positivity takes effort to create, negativity creates itself. You don't have to try to be negative, it already exists in our minds. It's always there. Those voices that say You Can't...It's Impossible...Nobody Cares...Nobody Understands...Stop Trying...Give Up...they get around each other and multiply. Conversely, most of us are not programmed to understand just how powerful positive thoughts can be, so we don't pursue them.
2. Positivity is lame, negativity is popular. Just look at the media or television shows and it becomes apparent that negativity is what sells these days. Holly Robinson-Peete was CUT from the popular show The Talk because the producers thought she was too boring. In other words, she talked about making changes for the better, she has a loving, happy family, she didn't talk down to or over her co-hosts and she lived a life free of drama. Her positive outlook got her cut from a popular show. Also, the majority of reality programs showcase the negative aspects of people's lives. Rumor has it that this season on Basketball Wives, Royce, Jennifer and Keisha will be cut, and they were the only positive influences on the show!
3. Positivity is a practice, negativity is a given. There are going to be obstacles in our pathways from time to time, but its how we react to the negative energy that defines our character. When we are faced with these obstructions, we are given a choice. Are you a Glass Half Empty or Glass Half Full kind of person? Do you know how to let yourself be unapologetically happy or do you allow any and everything to alter your mood?
When negative situations invade your space, try using one or more of these techniques to bring yourself back to center:
~ Breathe. Slowly. In through the nose, out through the mouth for 10 seconds. Give yourself time to change your mood before you say something you might regret.
~ Practice Meditation and/or Yoga. Someone once said to me "If you stay ready, you don't have to GET ready". Get in touch with your mind, body and spirit so you can head off negative energy before it even starts.
~ Separate Yourself From Situations or People Who Are Constantly Bringing You Down. It may be easier said than done, but don't ignore your intuition. The universe tries to guide you in ways that are most conducive to your success. If you are in a negative relationship, marriage or friendship, you are doing yourself and your mental and emotional health a disservice. Move on and allow yourself to move up.
~ Actively Practice Finding The Silver Lining. There is a unique lesson to be learned in every situation you face. Don't allow yourself to he so blinded by the situation that you lose the lesson; doing so will mean that you went through a tough situation without becoming wiser. Find the beauty in your hardships and the good times will seem even better.
Remember: "Three steps forward then two steps back is still a step ahead. Attitude is a choice."
Until next time, be good to yourself
