Be the Sunshine, Positivity is Power
Be the reason someone smiles. Be the reason someone feels loved and believes in the goodness in people. ― Roy T. Bennett
There’s a pretty cool thing that happens when the sun is shining – people seem to have a little extra energy or motivation or generally find it easier to do get out for that run or take the dog for a walk. And as easy as that sunny disposition comes, it can just as easily disappear when something happens or life starts getting in the way. You get busy or something doesn’t go the way you were hoping and it stops. The sunny glow is saved for another time, like a vacation when you can ‘get away from it all’. (Don’t worry, I’m not knocking the amazing boost of a relaxing, sun-filled vacation. The more the merrier).
It’s easy to feel like we don’t have control over things happening around us sometimes. A lot of crazy things happen in life, good and bad. I know for me personally, the last three months alone have been particularly plagued with lives lost – both my family and important people to others close to me. But, if I dwell only on that I miss the good that’s happened too – new children brought into the framily army, another defeat of cancer, and other hardships overcome. Even the beginning of my new journey to help others eat, move, and live well. While those good things don’t erase the bad, it is all a reminder that life is short and we have to celebrate and live in the light of who we want to be.
Not everything is as serious as those recent events I just mentioned. On any given day, we may be confronted with the opportunity to join on the bandwagon when others start to gossip or complain (negative talk) or because something a coworker, friend, family member has done or said that you don’t agree with.
Be the sunshine when skies are gray. Ask yourself what for? What’s the point of being frustrated by what someone did or said or that something didn’t work out as perfectly as planned? Don’t waste time being upset or distracted by unimportant things. If it’s something you can influence or help with – step in and do it. If not, then it’s probably better to let it go.
To be honest, I have often felt wired with a positive view of life. The glass is half full, and if it’s not then it’s either not the right glass or I will fill it. Friends and colleagues have often told me, and expressed appreciation for, my positivity and ability to ‘see the brighter side’ or ‘the path forward’. I’m not saying I never have moments of getting stuck on something negative, feel frustrated, or get a little down on myself for not doing what I think I could or should have. But that’s not who I want to be or how I want to live my life, so I won’t.
Positivity is a choice. Accept responsibility for yourself. You are in control of how you respond and what you create in this world. And even when you have the best intentions to eat better or exercise or do something differently, life throws obstacles in your way. We can all choose to be bright and happy by remembering to:
Be kind to yourself. Some days you won’t be the absolute best you. Something will hurt or be thrown in your path. The wind may be knocked out of you by something unexpected. You may fall ‘off the wagon’ on your workout or eating routine. It’s ok. Be kind to yourself and understand that it is only temporary. You are strong.
Think Positive. Believe it can be done and put that belief to work. Very few problems can’t be solved. Think of what can be done and figure out a solution and be back on track before you know it. Keep moving forward.
Embrace the sunshine. Greet the sunshine when it’s in front of you and don’t take it for granted. But when you can’t find it, be the sunshine – and be proud of it! Don’t be afraid to let your light glow! It will help yourself, help others, or simply keep the important things in life a focus.
What can you do to bring some sunshine and positivity to today?