“I cannot always control what goes on the outside. But I can always control what goes on inside”
Wayne Dyer
Isn’t it true that when you look around you there isn’t a whole lot of positive to see. The stock market is crashing, global recession fears are all around, unemployment rates aren’t coming down, housing numbers aren’t getting any better either. The list can go on and on. Even if you are in a stable job, all this is bound to create feelings of anxiety and insecurity.
When that happens, the tendency is to curl up in a ball and stay still and feel like everything has come to a grinding halt. You feel like retreating back, and subconsciously all this starts affecting your self-confidence and increase stress levels.
Since we live in a world and don’t have much control on what goes around, we do have some control on our own lives and how we react and respond to events.
So what can you do to stay sane and positive in an insane negative world?
Focus on the Positive – Sounds cliche, but it’s so true and there is no way around it. You already know how focusing on the negative can make you feel, don’t you? So find things that make you happy, that are uplifting and inspiring. Surround yourself with people who are enthusiastic.
Be Grateful – Gratitude is something that is often overlooked. It’s easy to focus on what is not working and what we want that we still don’t have rather than what we do have. Being grateful for what you do have is powerful and can make you feel better and even set your energy where it needs to be.
Stop Watching the Media – People tell me I’m living in denial when I say this to my clients, but you know what, it’s OK to do so, especially when it helps one insulate against the negative. Now I am not suggesting that you stay uninformed. No, by all means know what’s happening around the world, but don’t just focus on what the media says every now and then. It’s a known fact that good inspiring stories aren’t that great for ratings as much as drama and negativity is. So no wonder, all there is to hear is murder, rapes, divorce, bankruptcies and disasters.
Come Face to Face With Your Fears – Yes, just ask yourself – what is the worst that’s going to happen and then prepare for that in the best possible manner. This gives you the power instead of making you feel powerless.
Incorporate Fun – Having fun doesn’t mean you have to spend a lot of money or take time off to do so. You can do small little things that add excitement and newness to your daily routine. Stirring things up like that will keep you in the positive zone.
Make small changes. Make feeling upbeat and positive your priority, and slowly you will start gravitating things that uplift you.