topic Positivity, what is it really? in Staying well

Positivity, what is it really?

white knight — Sat, 03 Feb 2018 13:51:28 GMT

Salespeople amuse me. As a former insurance salesman I was “programmed” to be positive in everything I did. There was simply no room for negative thoughts that downloaded to comments. In the end I left the profession but that didn’t mean I was negative, just realistic about it.

And that’s the message here now. Being positive has its limits. There is no doubt that being overall positive is far better than being negative but we don’t need to fool ourselves into a world of unrealistic expectations and goals. Being a positive person is more complex than good and bad. Let me explain.

A negative thinking person has a dim view of the world, half a cup empty than half full. Positive people can try to educate a negative person but the change must come from within. Some people need only a spark. After years of thinking negatively and knowing you are negative when the spark comes it can change your life in every conceivable way and in every moment. It’s a feeling that’s hard to describe but it is a buoyancy that, once there, it is there forever. One never wants to go back to having a dim view of the world.

For me that moment came at 27yo. Google

Topic: 30 minutes can change your life- beyondblue

I’m now 61yo. After some decades as an energised thinker one thing I’ve had to grapple with is being realistic. Death hits us all whether it be a family member or friend. When we grieve its impossible to be positive about it. There can be token justifications like “he is no longer in pain” but we all know it just doesn’t cut it in terms of the massive loss to our lives.

The workplace. We can be motivated but when we are there is often the jealous co-worker that interprets your hard work for wanting promotion. Suddenly you have conflict or tension. It’s their problem! These workers aren’t team members, they don’t know you nor your intent, they are destructive and yes- negative. Leave the negative people to their own sad world because if you play their game their satisfaction comes when you take the bait.

The transformation from negative to positive is the best change you’ll ever carry out. It will mean your good days with a mental illness will be great, your bad days will still be bad but you will capitalise on the slightest positive event…like watching the sunrise.

Being positive doesn't equate to an easier way to rise above a down period but whereas you'll walk tall on the way out of it, being positive ...you'll run...

Being positive is almost essential.

Tony WK

Positivity, what is it really?

GreenTea_Honey — Mon, 12 Feb 2018 10:16:05 GMT

Hello Tony WK

I really like this post, and I completely agree.

I recently removed two very negative people from my life (people who were negative in their approach to most things and who were destructive to my mental health) and it's a change I'm thankful for everyday. While I am naturally a positive person, there is a strain on your ability to move forward and be healthy when something/someone negative is central in your life.

Removing negativity or 'bad vibes' has become a bit of a platitude and it's not exactly a shift from a negative way of thinking to a positive, but it's definitely a shift that's worth doing. Finding the sources of negativity that you don't need - that don't help - and pulling them out of your life. Shifting closer to the positive.

Hope you're doing well, best wishes!

Positivity, what is it really?

white knight — Tue, 13 Feb 2018 05:19:09 GMT

Yes GTH,

A little like being a marathon runner and toxic people trying to grab your hand to hold you back but you still run forwards. Eventually if they don't run beside you then you need to cut them adrift.

To protect ourselves from them returning as they are or someone similar we need a proection.

Google

Topic: fortress of survival- beyondblue

Cheers. hope you are well.

TonyWK