How to stay positive

How to Stay Positive When Surrounded by Negativity

 Written by Cari Rauch

For many of us, being surrounded by negativity can be one of the most challenging things in our lives, especially when we’re trying to be positive.  We want to stay focused on what feels good, but it can seem difficult when people around us are complaining and talking about what’s wrong with life.

So here is something that you can do when you find yourself surrounded by negativity:

1.  Remember You Always Have a Choice.   Everything is always a choice.  We choose what we listen to and who we listen to, we choose what we do & where we go (such as work), and we choose who we spend time with.   There isn’t anything that we “have to do”.  However, we sometimes think we don’t have a choice because we don’t like the outcome.  For example, we think we have to go to work because we need the money so it’s not a choice, but we could choose not to go and not to get paid, but we don’t like what might happen if we did that, so we tend to not see it as choice.
2. Know Your Triggers.   Be aware of topics or things that seem to pull you into negativity and decide not to discuss these topics or things unless you can say something that feels good.   So for example, staying out of debates, or not complaining about what’s happening or about someone else.   If you can’t say something nice or add something that makes you feel good, then refrain from it.