It’s a good day to have a good day!
Is that a little too optimistic for you? Too “glass half full” or overflowing? I get it. I’ve always been called a Pollyanna, known for focusing on the positive. It’s annoying, isn’t it? I’m sure people would also love to wipe the wide-eyed grin off my face.
As a child, life hit me with serious challenges—I lost a lot of my family and nearly my own life before I lost my baby teeth. I grew to be grateful for each day despite circumstances.
I fully believe our hearts follow our minds. We often can’t change circumstances, but we can shift our thoughts.
What occupies your thoughts? What messages do you tell yourself? Are you swirling and veering toward the dark or the light?
For instance. When I was a pubescent teen, kids would point out a blemish on my face. I’d respond, “Ignore the pimple. Focus on the 99% that looks good.” I try to see people and the world that way. Which part of a fallen leaf is more beautiful than the rest?
Here are a few easy ideas to get you viewing life (and even your face) through rose colored glasses.
- Adopt a mantra. Mantras get us through when we don’t believe in ourselves as we should. Pick one:
- We’ve got this.
- Just do it!
- Don’t worry; be happy.
- Or mine: LoveThisDay!
A go-to message reframes your mind, so your heart (and belief) can follow.
2. Channel a persona of someone you admire:
- Mr. Fred Rogers, whose everyone’s neighbor, “Let’s make the most of this beautiful day.”
- Or maybe you’d go more Bob Ross, the Happy Painter, “Let’s have some fun here. Let’s send that problem happily on its way, shall we? Instead, it’s time for some little happy trees.”
3. Turn on the positive self-talk with the bathroom light.
- Instead of looking in the mirror and criticizing yourself, “Crap, you look old. And, you’re also a hog,” Instead, think of the long life you’ve lived so far and say, “You’re being the best you today! And by the way, ddddang, you look good.” You will at least chuckle and take yourself less seriously.
Something bad will happen today, somewhere. That’s fact. Go ahead, and acknowledge the oh so many difficult aspects of life, health scares and tragic headlines. But don’t stay in the dark long. Instead, look for and choose the endless positives! Yes, dwell on the beautiful side. Sit. Settle into it like a comfortable chair with optimism, gratitude and happiness. Then share it!
#LoveThisDay
Please read my adventure memoir, BERING SEA STRONG, to learn about my three challenging months as the only woman and scientist working alongside 25 commercial fishermen on Alaska’s high seas.