Does your light at the end of the tunnel seem particularly dim? Sometimes (more often than not!) life throws you a curve ball that can be so devastating that you wonder whether you will ever get through it.
We’re all guilty of whining, complaining and copping out. Are you in a job that you can’t stand? A relationship that’s going nowhere? Can’t seem to lose those last few kilos? The problem is that we’ve become desensitised to our complaining, and negativity has somehow creeped into our daily lives. Ok, so going complaint-free is a good start but moving past merely not complaining and into a space where you are actively appreciative of the hard, is harder.
Think about it: The phrase “silver lining” has become the go-to cliché in times of trouble. It’s easy to be happy when your biggest worry is what to make for dinner, but when your world is shaken – finding that silver lining is very difficult. How do we flip the switch?
It is astonishingly simple! Gratitude. Learn to say “Thank you”. Part of the power of this practise is the immediacy and pro-active nature of it. Stop for a moment, be present and appreciate where you are right now. No waiting necessary. That’s not to say that real pain, ongoing difficulty and reality can, or should be ignored. But, finding that bit of gratitude every day will make a world of difference.
We came across these points recently; isn’t it amazing that we just take these things for granted: “I am thankful for:
• The taxes I pay because it means that I am employed.
• The clothes that fit a little too snug because it means I have enough to eat.
• A lawn that has to be mowed, windows that have to be washed, and gutters that need fixing, because it means I have a home.
• All the complaining I hear about government, because it means I have freedom of speech.
• The huge piles of laundry and ironing, because it means my loved ones are nearby.
• The alarm that goes off in the early hours of the morning, because it means that I’m alive”.
Finding silver linings is the choice you make to find happiness in ordinary things, in spite of the lemons handed to us on a daily basis. Makes sense doesn’t it? So, give the blues a sparkling lining with our tips on how to be positive every day:
• Choose to make every day a good day.
• Express gratitude for what you DO have at this moment.
• Smile often.
• Turn off the data. Shut down the interference and just listen, let your mind meander naturally.
• Look at challenges as opportunities to grow.
• Eat healthily, but treat yourself.
• Exercise.
• Be open to change. See opportunities in your setbacks.
• Do something every day that makes you happy. Laugh, dance, read, run, write, sing, cook, eat, kiss, play, etc.
• Document the little things that make you smile. Sometimes the positives in our lives are overlooked because of our fast-paced lifestyles. If you document them, you can’t ignore them.
• Set goals. Remind yourself of all the great things you can accomplish.
• Share your issues. Encouragement from others will help you to refocus on your strength, courage and perseverance.
• Encourage others. Studies show that making others happy will build confidence and a positive perspective. Win-Win!
• Decide that – no matter what – you will find a silver lining.
• Know that you are stronger than you think you are.
When the mind is occupied by positive thoughts and emotions, more options are considered, and a general openness to experiences and opportunities replaces negativity.
So, as the storms of life rage, don’t forget to take deliberate steps to find hope. I challenge you to find the silver lining in every experience. Now, if you’ll excuse me, it’s starting to rain and I need to go out before it stops.
Source: www.keen.com, eliteday.com, www.vibeshifting.com, www.blogher.com, www.thesilverpen.com, www.pinterest.com, www.hellomynameisblog.com, thenectarcolective.com
DISCLAIMER: The information on this website is for educational purposes only, and is not intended as medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. If you are experiencing symptoms or need health advice, please consult a healthcare professional.
