Let's Chat About...Optimism
I like to think of myself as a positive thinker, but as everyone does, I have my negative moments too. I prefer to see the glass as half full and like to give people the benefit of the doubt most of the time. Although, I sometimes find that it is much easier to be pessimistic.
Negativity is contagious!
Pessimistic people are often referred to as toxic (someone who brings conflict and negativity to your life). It is a proven fact that if you expose yourself to people of a certain attitude, you begin to behave that way yourself. Randy uses this phrase a lot: "When in Rome, do as the Romans". Not quite sure where that came from, but it is usually true.
I have witnessed this myself multiple times throughout my life. I've seen firsthand how you can place one negative person amongst a group of positives and soon after, the negativity starts rubbing off.
For example, have you ever been to a gathering, or even church for that matter and after you leave, the person you are with starts picking apart the guests? It is so easy to fall into that trap and join right in. I know I am guilty of it at times, and I have to look into my own mirror and consciencely bite my tongue.
*Research shows that even a small amount of negative brain activity can lead to a weakened immune system.
*Negative attitudes can affect your intelligence and ability to think by compromising the effectiveness of neurons in the hippocampus (the part of the brain that controls reasoning & memory).
I believe that a lot of pessimistic people don't even realize that they are. It becomes a fast-growing habit that seems to get a response from others that they enjoy. From what I've experienced, people who are around negativity tend to jump on the bandwagon and join in, rather than pointing out the positive.
Here are some signs of pessimism:
Always Complaining
Blame Others
Being Judgmental
Expect Negative Outcomes
Resist Change
Annoyed with Optimistic People
Negative Self Talk
We all have negative feelings from time to time and it's not easy to change our ways. The challenge is, not to express them. It takes a conscience effort sometimes to refrain from these bad habits.
Here are some tips to being Optimistic:
Try not to complain, accept things as they are.
Look in the Mirror, don't blame others for things that go wrong.
See the good in people.
Think positive and be happy.
Be open minded to change.
Remove yourself from negative situations.
Accept yourself for who you are.
Having a negative attitude can lead to stress, which we all know can lead to long term health complications. Click on the link above to read an article put out my Mayo Clinic on Stress Management through positivity.
And so, in conclusion it's really very simple. As it was well said by Thumper from the Walt Disney movie Bambi..."If you can't say somethin' nice, don't say nothin' at all!"
If you have anything to add or share, please comment below!
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