Being positive is a choice, some days it is not an easy one, I know.  But what I have learned is that I can be in control, I can choose, and so can you.

It always starts with a thankful heart, even when you are racked in pain, or depressed, or alone. The process is the same.

Choose to feel blessed.

The important word here isn’t blessed although in so many ways we all are.  But there are two important words here, choose and to feel.  The action and the result.  By making a choice and realizing how blessed we are, as Paul said in Philippians 4:11 “that no matter what state I choose to be content.”  How could he say this lying in a dark cell, beaten and cold?  He knew how to count his blessings.  This one action will change how you feel.

Choose to be Grateful

There are any number of people today who may find this hard, with Covid, and job losses, loss of loved ones, and so many other challenges in the world today.  But having a grateful heart, i.e., feeling grateful, changes your entire day.  No matter how small it is, find something to be grateful for. It may be as simple as stepping outside and feeling the warm sun on your face or enjoying the thought of what spring rains bring.  For me, I have so much to be grateful for, but the first and last thing is God’s love.

Choose to be Excited

This is about spirit; it is about finding the simple things that bring joy in life.  It’s not all about being all pumped up, this is where true positive thinking starts. Look for that thing: you have passion for and fan it, nurture it and (see Living Deliberately ) get excited as you start it, or even plan it.  Then let that excitement shine through, and it will reflect off of others and they too will get excited… believe me it is contagious.

Choose to Be Thankful

Being Thankful is different that feeling blessed.  Being thankful is about putting those blessing to action.  If you are thankful your attitude towards others will be far more generous, you will have the basis for the following the Great Commandment.  Being thankful releases you from thinking everyone has more than me, it moves you to generosity towards others and toward yourself. After all, “loving your neighbor as yourself”, means that in order to love our neighbors as best we can, we must love ourselves. Self-love is a continuous process, and often a hard one, but it starts with being thankful.

Choose to be Happy

You should never depend on someone to make you happy.  That’s not to say that happiness and joy can’t come from being with or communicating with others, but for your mental, physical, and spiritual self, choosing to be happy if absolutely critical. Happy people, choose to focus on the positive aspects of life rather than the negative. They set their minds on specific reasons to be grateful. They express it when possible. And they quickly discover there is always, always, something to be grateful for.

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