So, you hit the snooze button this morning, the kids didn’t cooperate and you were stuck in traffic; making you late for yet another meeting! Sound familiar?

We know, we know, when you juggle work, home, and life; just maintaining the status quo becomes a feat of endurance. It is often an accomplishment just to get through the day!

C’mon people, find the silver lining. Look on the bright side. Hmmm … rolling your eyes yet? Truth is most of us tend to let our circumstances choose our attitude for us. Yeah, we’re in a good mood as long as everything runs smoothly, right?

Choosing a positive attitude sounds awesome but when life throws you a curveball and situations don’t adhere to expectations; it could be hard to stay positive. The secret to being an optimist lies in choosing how to react to these experiences. Consciously choosing to be positive and optimistic is key. You can’t just accept life; you have to intentionally live it!

So if pessimism desperately wants to be your BFF, change your thoughts and give a positive direction to your life. Experts insist that we can find our way to the sunnier side of the street by simply making a few tweaks.

Here’s how to do just that:

• Expect something wonderful to happen every day.
• Approve of yourself. Your limitations may just be in your mind.
• Thank your lucky stars. Instead of focusing on what you don’t have, make a list of things in your life that you are grateful for. When frustration returns, go back and focus on that.
• Focus on the present. Don’t dwell on the past or worry about the future.
• Choose happiness. Being happy is not about circumstances. Happiness is a decision we make.
• View life as a journey. Look forward to new and unfamiliar experiences.
• Just say “Ohm” … Research suggests that people who meditate regularly have more positive emotions than those who don’t. Mindful meditation works just as well. Take a walk and be in awe of your surroundings.
• See the good in everyone. Assume others mean well.
• Do something you love every day. Listen to your favourite song or talk to a friend.
• Exercise often and regularly.
• Take care of your appearance. When you look good you’ll feel more confident and positive.
• Get enough sleep. When you don’t sleep well, you will be moody, unhappy and impatient.
• Spend time with positive people.
• Let positive information in. Read positive blogs and books, listen to inspirational songs and watch motivational movies.
• Pay it forward. Cheer someone up. Hold the door with a smile or compliment a fellow shopper on their outfit. One of the best ways to feel good about yourself is to make someone else feel good.
• Don’t sweat the small stuff. Don’t let small annoyances distract you from staying positive.
• Be creative every day. Whether it’s the way you dress or plan your work day. Think outside the box.
• Remember that the best it yet to come!

Be one of those people you used to admire for their positivity and strength. All of us can live up to Charlie Chaplin’s famous observation: “You’ll never find a rainbow if you’re looking down.”

Source: www.purposefairy.com, www.huffingtonpost.com, www.sparkpeople.com, www.positivityblog.com, www.pickthebrain.com, www.inc.com, www.healthfitnessrevolution.com, www.webmd.com, www.lifehack.org, www.successconciousness.com, tinybuddha.com, advancedlifeskills.com, wingsfortheheart.com