Finding Positivity in Every Day. Friday Five.
Finding positivity
Find positivity in every day
Why can finding positivity be so difficult at times. Why is it so easy for others words to crumble our sense of self-worth or to rob us of our feelings of success? Negative words from otghers can bring about great feelings of self-doubt and negativity. Finding inner strength is one of the greatest keys to overcoming this.
I have always considered myself to be a positive person, an optimist. I am a giver. I want to help others. I wear my heart on my sleeve. These personality traits enable me to allow many in to my circle of friends. However I am not always so keen as to be able to sense when what I am giving is being taken and taken for granted, expected and not reciprocated. For some it is expected of me that that I will just “roll with” whatever is dished out whether it be positive or words that may be hurtful often unintentionally and even intentionally. Being wide-open to others while being a trait that I value about myself is also one which makes me vulnerable. This is my kryptonite and can bring me much harm.
One of the best defenses against this type of behavior is best summed up in the advice that I often give to my children when their feelings have been hurt. Rather than to dwell on the negativity coming from others we must try to perhaps understand that maybe the friend may be going through something that is difficult or perhaps they too are feeling insecure. Words and actions can be weapons used to hurt but they can also be powerful tools to heal, and help. We must stand up for ourselves and not downgrade our own self-worth just because of someone else. We must also find strategies from within to be stronger and to believe in our own power and strength..
I am going to work hard on myself to affirm with positivity my own strengths. The more that we believe in ourselves the stronger we become and the more we can achieve.
Here are five statements of positivity for today:
- “In order to carry a positive action we must develop here a positive vision.” -Dalai Lama
- “It’s your outlook on life that counts. If you take yourself lightly and don’t take yourself too seriously, pretty soon you can find the humor in our everyday lives. And sometimes it can be a lifesaver.”-Betty White
- “The best thing to do when you find yourself in a hurting or vulnerable place is to surround yourself with the strongest, finest, most positive people you know.”-Kristin Armstrong
- “Nothing can dim the light which shines from within” – Maya Angelou
- “You gain strength, courage and confidence by every experience in which you really stop to look fear in the face . . . You must do the thing you think you cannot do” – Eleanor Roosevelt
We could all use a little more positivity in our lives. What will you do today to affirm your strengths? Do you have any quotes about positivity that guide you and that have become mantras?
Proud member of Team Stonyfield for the 2016 Boston Marathon. Please follow my journey!
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As you know, this has been a pretty trying past few months for me, particularly dealing with the injury. For me, I maintain positivity and perspective by concentrating on what I CAN do, and letting go of what I can’t control. That has helped me so much!
Susie @ SuzLyfe recently posted…New Opportunities in Running, Life, and Blogging (Friday Favorites)
This came at a much needed time for me. I am very good at preaching this but not so good at following it! Thanks so much for the reminder to stay positive!!!
Was talking with some bible study ladies the other day about feelings and where they come from. I always remind myself that all feelings – especially negative self-worth feelings – originate in a thought (maybe put there by someone’s negative words) and we either intentionally or unintentionally chose to believe that thought was true. So when I’m in a negative spiral I go searching for the original thought or thoughts that set me off my rails and often find I’m allowing myself to believe a lie about who I am. Combatting that lie with what I know to be true about myself, things I value and love about myself, and affirming my God given identity almost always makes the negative feelings disappear. Maybe I still feel sad someone said something mean to me but it’s then easier for me to see that what they said was likely more about them than it was about me. Long response but the kind of thing I like chatting about. 😀
Coach Henness recently posted…5 Min Cool Down Stretch
This post is a great reminder to keep a positive outlook. One of my fav quotes is from Leo Buscaglia: “Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring, all of which have the potential to turn a life around.” Helps remind me to be kind and embrace a positive attitude in everyday life.
Chrissy @ Snacking in Sneakers recently posted…Baby Strong Workout Review!
Something I have done recently is to surround myself with those who make me feel happy and spend way less time with those who do not. I’ve stopped feeling guilty about it too. It’s made quite a difference for me the past few months.
Deborah @ Confessions of a mother runner recently posted…Part 2- Ageless Fitness: Women’s views on fitness as they age
SO important. I’m doing a Lent #AddJoy challenge. somehow trying to find one way to add joy each day improves my attitude immensely.
Wendy @ Wholistic Woman recently posted…Weekends in the Kitchen #AddJoy
love this! its hard to be positive/positive all the time ill be keeping the quotes for motivation 😉 thanks for sharing
josephine recently posted…Why I Run
When I find myself loosing optimism I always try to remind myself of all that I have accomplished and all that I am capable of. We all need some positive self talk every once in awhile.
#Pitstop
These are such great reminders. Typically I’m a very positive person. I can feel my spirits tanking a bit due to low vitamin D levels lately, compliments of too many grey days.
This is an awesome post. I can get bogged down by people and their negativity. This is a great reminder to stay positive.
Wendy@Taking the Long Way Home recently posted…Book Review: It Was Me All Along by Andie Mitchell
It’s amazing what a little change in perspective can do. My son has been having trouble with a girl at school and it really gets him down. He is such a sweet, sensitive boy and gets his feelings hurt pretty easily. He’s also obsessed with One Direction. So I told him that any time she bothers him to just sing that “Drag Me Down” song, and it works for him. He gets pumped by the song, and then is able to turn his feelings around 🙂
Sue @ This Mama Runs for Cupcakes recently posted…Friday Favorites
I stay positive by always repeating the mantra that comparison is the thief of joy! I try to focus on my accomplishments and not compare them to others!
And take a Vitamin D supplement! Ha!
Thank you for this. I’m always a glass half full type, so I really can relate. Even so, at times it can be a struggle to keep up the positivity. Thanks for joining us at the Blogger’s Pit Stop!
Debbie @ Coach Debbie Runs recently posted…8 Ways You Can Use Flipboard to Drive Traffic to Your Blog
I love that Betty White quote. Outlook on things is everything, and even during difficult times, your perspective can help make rough patches a bit more bearable.
Kathryn @ Dancing to Running recently posted…Friday Five – Five Hats That I Wear
I’ve been dealing with a lot of negative people at work. It’s tough to be around so much negativity every day, but I’m doing my best to stay positive despite it. I want to print out all these quotes and leave them around my office!
Nicole @ Fitful Focus recently posted…5 CrossFit Must Haves
There is no sense in living life with the constant flow of negative thoughts. I grew up with very negative influences in my life and I have made it a point to change that and always look for the positive. I’m much much happier with this approach.
jen recently posted…3 Things Thursday
I love how positive and thoughtful you are! Hugs!
Jesica @rUnladylike recently posted…Racecation 101: Best Things to Do in Sedona
This is such a wonderful post! I believe in always trying to find the positive in every situation. To look beyond the hurt and try to reach within to the places I know will bring me happiness and joy. That is not always easy. My Mantra is :Always Believe You Can. I preach this with my children too. If my five year old says he “can’t” I am try to remind him that YES, he can if he tries! 🙂
I have always liked the Eleanor Roosevelt quote.
Crystal Renaud recently posted…Running Away From Fear