Accentuate the Positive

With all the negativity in the world today, it can get pretty depressing…and at times frightening for some. I will admit that I have a tendency to focus on the negatives myself. In fact, this blog was originally started as a way for me to release the frustrations I was feeling during the last presidential campaign before I went over the deep end.

All of the lies, half truths and distortions were weighing me down. The more I thought about them, the more depressed and frustrated I became. I was feeling alone and I felt there was nothing I could do but dwell on them and internalize my anger. Then one night I was sitting in my living room when a thought came to my mind, “Blogs are free. Get a blog and start writing.” I did and it became very cathartic. I had finally found a way to release my frustrations. Once I wrote about whatever was bothering me and published it, it was gone…until another took its place.

I found, through talking with family and friends, that others were feeling the same way. So, I started sharing my blog in hopes that others would have a place to go to find accurate rebuttals to the lies, half-truths and distortions they were hearing; as well as to be a warning voice for what may lie ahead. With these goals in mind, I have made a concerted effort to not publish anything that could not be backed up with fact, because I choose not to be a source of disinformation.

In my desire to be a source of rebuttal and warning, I admit my blog has been heavy on the negative, while light on the positive. I will try to do better. That is not to say that I will stop using this blog for its original purpose, but I think it is important to accentuate the positives in life as well. There needs to be a balance.

With that in mind what better time to begin, than now? There are some things we each can do daily to make our lives and the lives of those around us more positive.

First, as a friend of mine told our congregation, a couple of Sunday’s ago, her father started each day by coming to the breakfast table and exclaiming, “I’m alive!” Okay, so each day, why don’t we look in the mirror and exclaim, “I’m alive!” After all, isn’t that the greatest gift we can receive each and every day?

Second, try to find one example of God’s hand in your life during each day. Write it down and reflect on what you have written. You may be surprised how much he does for you.

Third, begin and end each day with prayer. Be thankful for the blessings God has bestowed upon you and ask Him in faith for the things you need. I can testify to you that He does hear and answer prayers.

Fourth, make time to read the scriptures daily. Seek out the nourishment that comes from constant study of the scriptures. Your life will be enhanced by this one simple act of faith.

Finally, each day try to give service to someone else. Whether it is a simple smile, a helping hand, a common courtesy, paying a compliment, etc., your life and the lives of others will be enhanced. In addition, if someone does you a service, find a way to “pay it forward”. It’s amazing how many lives could be affected positively by one simple or random act of service.

Let us each put these five steps to practice and I can bet we will each find life more positive.