Sometimes it takes every single bit of energy a person possesses to conjure up a smidgen of positive thinking to create a positive attitude... and even then, it falls short of being helpful to endure the negative forces one faces in life. Yet, we try.
For me, I've found the way to gain a positive attitude is to get away... escape the rush, the hurry, the noise that crowds emit.
I turn off the television and listen to soft, instrumental music.
I walk outside on my porch and sit in my porch swing, close my eyes and listen for the sound of birds singing.
I read scripture and focus on words that strengthen my thoughts of peace and contentment-- of God's watchcare and provision. I begin to count my blessings and pray for people I know to be as blessed as I am.
Years ago, I had a wonderful hammock that hung beneath two towering pecan trees. I spent a lot of time there. On warm Autumn evenings, when sleep eluded me, I actually walked out and slept in that hammock. It was so peaceful to look up and stare at the stars above me and revel in God's created glory.
The world is crammed pack full of anxiety, trials, troubles, atrocities, injustice, abuse, anger and hate. If we spend all our time focused on these things, our minds will fail miserably in keeping a positive attitude. We must challenge ourselves to turn off the "noise" of life and dwell on that which brings us joy and happiness-- no matter how much energy that demands of us. If we don't, our life will be consumed by negativity.
We must smile more. Laugh more. Sing or hum more. We must show greater gratitude for the tiny things in life: a gentle touch, a sunbeam, a blossom, a single moment we can call our own. We must resist the temptation to control every situation, to solve every problem, or fix flaws in other people. Some things are beyond us... far beyond us.
When we accept our limitations and rejoice in our abilities, talents and gifts, we are able to cradle the positive parts of life and keep an attitude worth sharing with a troubled world.
