(This post is part of the A to Z Challenge. I am writing this month on activities that keep me refreshed during these depressing days. It's Day 16 today.)
Positivity is the practice of having a positive or optimistic attitude to everything that happens around us.
(This word is not to be confused with 'positivism', which is related to social philosophy, meaning societal behaviour is best understood through scientific principles.)
These are difficult times. News of people falling ill and passing on, fears of how long it would take for the economy to be up and running, the discomfort of being locked up in one's home for days on end, the frustration of not getting our favourite food items and having to subsist on whatever is available, the travails of blurring of the boundary between office and home which are under the same roof, the new routine of doing dishes, laundry, cleaning, cooking etc ... the list goes on.
Like happiness, positivity also doesn't come to us on a platter. We need to make a conscious effort to discover it. It's a choice that has to be intentionally made: like seeing the glass as half full rather than as half empty.
A positive spin to a difficult situation can make us feel better. Adversities are to be seen as opportunities. We will look at possibilities and solutions, which can then yield results. If, for example, we are forced to bend and stretch and use our limbs much more than normally we have to, a good way looking at it is, as an exercise and the benefit that can come out of it. That thought process will make difficult tasks easier.
Like it's often said, we are not made by the circumstances, but by how we react to the circumstances.
(This word is not to be confused with 'positivism', which is related to social philosophy, meaning societal behaviour is best understood through scientific principles.)
These are difficult times. News of people falling ill and passing on, fears of how long it would take for the economy to be up and running, the discomfort of being locked up in one's home for days on end, the frustration of not getting our favourite food items and having to subsist on whatever is available, the travails of blurring of the boundary between office and home which are under the same roof, the new routine of doing dishes, laundry, cleaning, cooking etc ... the list goes on.
Like happiness, positivity also doesn't come to us on a platter. We need to make a conscious effort to discover it. It's a choice that has to be intentionally made: like seeing the glass as half full rather than as half empty.
A positive spin to a difficult situation can make us feel better. Adversities are to be seen as opportunities. We will look at possibilities and solutions, which can then yield results. If, for example, we are forced to bend and stretch and use our limbs much more than normally we have to, a good way looking at it is, as an exercise and the benefit that can come out of it. That thought process will make difficult tasks easier.
Like it's often said, we are not made by the circumstances, but by how we react to the circumstances.
Hari OM
ReplyDeleteA positively pertinent post!!! So much is dependent upon our attitude, the turn of our mind... YAM xx
Yes, Yamini. :-)
DeleteSo true. Positivity is a choice.
ReplyDeleteAs you rightly said it is how we react to the circumstances. Excellent post.
ReplyDeleteHi Pradeep - even through the depths of despair ... there's goodness ... and there's always a positive take - however difficult it is to see at the time. Little steps to remember those positive aspects as we rise through this time ... take care - Hilary
ReplyDeleteYou are so right! Stay positive ;)
ReplyDeleteP is for Pojagi
We are super blessed here, yet a positive attitude is still elusive. Always in the back of my mind is sorrow for the world's youth. ~sigh~ Take care and stay safe.
ReplyDeleteHi Darla - Just need to be patient. There will be light at the end of the tunnel. Take care.
DeleteThe positive bent of mind can make the journey less problematic and more of challenge. Its always a pleasure to overcome a challenge than overcoming or circumventing the problem. And as rightly mentioned by you, its a choice.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Anagha.
DeleteAgree with you Pradeep.
ReplyDeleteBeing grateful for all that we have around us: good health, enough food, a house to be safe in and the love of family--makes it even easier to hop on that happiness train and be positive.
Sure, Arti. It makes a lot of difference.
DeleteI love positivity and positive thoughts.
ReplyDeleteTotally agree with you!
We all need B+ (BE POSITIVE!) in life!
Hi Anita - So true!
DeleteYour post reminded me of favourite quote on Positive thinking
ReplyDeleteAn optimist sees opportunities in every difficulty & a pessimist sees difficulties in every opportunity
Hi Viyoma - A beautiful quote, that it. Good one!
DeleteIn these times, fear and anxiety can quickly spiral out of control into hysteria. Positivity isn't just a good idea, it is a survival mechanism. You're right, it doesn't happen on its own, it is a conscious choice. Good topic for today, Pradeep.
ReplyDeleteHi Jade - Indeed, it's a survival mechanism. Tks.
DeleteOh yes, it's important to have a positive attitude especially in these unprecedented times when everything around us has changed! Like they say, it’s not what happens to you, but how you react to it that matters.
ReplyDeleteVery true. It's how we react that makes or breaks us. But also acknowledging that for those who have lost their loved ones or are going through the pain of a loved one in critical condition, this might be difficult.
ReplyDelete