How many times have you been told to just think positive? Probably so many times that you are ready to knock out the next person that says it. I know I have been at that point before. The problem with people telling us to be positive is that no one ever tells us how to do it.
I have struggled with trying to think positive for as long as can remember. I had a psychologist tell me to wake up in the morning thinking that it is going to be a wonderful day and it will be. I am not a morning person so thinking positive upon waking is asking a lot, believe me.
I have discovered lately that one trick is to find at least one thing to look forward to for the day. Think back to being a child on Christmas morning. Nothing was going to keep you in that bed. It was going to be the best day ever. Now relate that to every day. Find at least one thing, one event no matter how small, to be excited about. Plan a picnic with a friend. Go window shopping. Even just set aside 15 minutes for yourself to do something you enjoy doing. When you wake up in the morning remind your self that you have something special to do today. That thought can keep you going throughout the day. You will feel good before the event because you are looking forward to it. You will feel good after the event because you took the time to do something special for yourself.
Another way to help yourself stay positive is to write or print out positive quotes, poems or sayings. Hang these around the house in places you will easily see them and be reminded. Stick one to the bathroom mirror. Post one on the refrigerator door. Tape one to the coffee maker. Pin one to visor in your car. Even something as simple as the word Smile scribbled in crayon on a scrap of paper placed where you can see it will raise your spirits and remind you to smile.
Along with the positive quotes you have posted all over the place, post a list of at least 5 things you like about yourself. You have a great smile. You are funny. You have great hair. You do a great job at work. Anything you like about yourself. If you can’t think of anything you like, ask a friend or loved one for 5 things they like about you and post those.
Always remember that you are special no matter who you are….and always smile.