Finding a Path to Positivity
What used to be normal in your life is now abnormal. Society is in a constant state of readjustment and recalibration. These are real challenges, but there is a way to healthy positivity.
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“Positivity needn’t be toxic. A body of research finds that cultivating a positive outlook can boost immunity, lower stress levels and even lengthen life spans.”
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-Kevyn Burger, Star Tribune
Read Kevin Burger's full article on toxic positivity here.
How can I bring more healthy positivity to my life?
Bringing in positivity is a skill to be practiced. It does not mean dismissing the negative or the challenges that present, but rather learning how let the positive and negative co-exist. Here are some tips on how to cultivate healthy positivity.
- Don’t try too hard! This leads to toxic positivity.
- Be open. Openness to current experiences helps shift from complaining to seeing possibilities.
- Be curious
- Be kind
- Be appreciative
- Be authentic
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The Mindset of Positivity
- Open
- Expansive
- Aware
- Mindful
- Observant. Take in your circumstances. Don’t judge or ignore them.
Gratitude
Gratitude is the easiest positive emotion to conjure up out of thin air. It helps to shift your perspective to see subtle goods. The shifts in perspective don’t need to be dramatic. Frequent mild doses probably work best for most people. If you can find one, two or even three good things in the midst of a terrible day, you are on the right track. Remember, these can be the smallest of good things. The warm sunshine, a delicious bite of food, a sip of warm coffee, a funny text from a friend- these all qualify as good moments for which you can conjure up real gratitude. Simply notice them, pause, and take them in. Speaking them outloud or writing them down can enhance their positive impact on your day.
Then try these approaches
Change your Perspective
Healthy positivity stems from your real life experiences and how you interpret them. Sometimes this means a change in the way you look at the world. It requires:
- Authenticity
- Self-Awareness
- Mindfulness
- Compassion
- Growth Mindset
Use Helpful Strategies
Here are some helpful ways to help some positivity naturally emerge.
- Notice any feeling you have and allow it, listen to it, working with it and through it.
- DO NOT deny yourself negative feelings.
- Seek support within your communities that “get it”.
- Cultivate real and genuine reasons to feel positive.
- Look for the good in any given situation.
- Cultivate gratitude and have an active gratitude practice.
Notice the Benefits
Healthy positivity can :
- Bring joy, serenity, gratitude, experiences of love
- Promote health and wellbeing
- Enhance your ability to see more, grow & change
- Help you become a better version of yourself overtime
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