Keeping Your Mind Right

"Promise yourself to be so strong nothing can disturb your peace of mind. Look at the sunny side of everything and make your optimism come true. Think only of the best, work only for the best, and expect only the best. Forget the mistakes of the past and press on to the greater achievements of the future. Give so much time to the improvement of yourself that you have no time to criticize others. Live in the faith that the whole world is on your side as long as you are true to the best that is in you."
-Christian D. Larson

Falling into a negative mindset has become far too commonplace in today's society. It's easy to have one negative thought, whether it be about work, stress, money, you name it. One negative thought and it leads to a whole domino effect and before you know it your entire mindset is that of pessimism and negativity. Just yesterday I found myself doing that. One little thing rubbed me the wrong way early in the day and just like that, the negative thoughts kept coming.

The quote above summarizes almost perfectly how I would like to live my live. Sure, the world isn't perfect so that doesn't always happen, but it's days like yesterday that make me realize how important it is to keep your mind in the right place for overall happiness and well being. In hindsight, the stuff that frustrated me yesterday was so minuscule that I should have just brushed it off right then and there; ask me about it in two weeks and I probably won't even remember what it was that was bothering me. Instead, I dwelled on it most of the day and let my whole day take a negative turn.

I pride myself in being a very optimistic, upbeat individual. The last year and a half I've had more stress in my life than before but I've certainly been trying to put a positive spin on it. I am very fortunate: I'm healthy, hard working, and have a wonderful family and a handful of close friends.
Having negative thoughts not only ruins your day, it goes much deeper than that. Most people underestimate the power the mind has on your body. An example I like to use is that of working out. If I tell myself time and time again that I'm never going to deadlift 300 pounds, then I can guarantee you that I will never get that bar off the floor. On the other hand, if I tell myself time and time again that I WILL deadlift 300 pounds and I train to my best ability, than sooner or later I will pull 300 pounds off the floor like it's nothing. You cannot possibly tell yourself negative things all the time and expect to have enjoyable days.

In order to truly enjoy life, we must forget the negative because chances are, it's not earth shattering. Sure, there are the exceptions to this, but I've found there is good to be found in every negative situation, even if it seems impossible to find. "God never closes one door without opening another." Just let go of the little things; they only weigh you down and hinder you from reaching your full potential and level of happiness. Sure, there will be the not so great days and bad stuff will happen, but as the quote says, "work for the best and have faith that the world is on your side."

Life is beautiful. Don't get so caught up in small worries that you forget the see the gift that every day brings. So put a smile on that pretty face and think positive things :)

As a side note: when I got to my second job last night my supervisor had left a card for me thanking me for all I do and for being a good team player. How nice it is to have your work recognized. Her note of gratitude made all the difference in my day. It really is the little things.