Research has shown that having a positive attitude makes you happier and more resilient. It improves your relationships and overall well-being, and last but not least, increases your chances of success in any endeavor. But why is it so – damn – hard to stay positive when life throws you unexpected curveballs that seem to ruin everything? Our (myself included) natural emotional reaction might be to get upset, angry, or anxious even though we know deep down inside that emotional rage only tends to make things worse. Is there a way to change this?
So what CAN you do?
It’s important to acknowledge that although life comes with unavoidable challenges, they don’t have to define your existence or your future. Why? Because you have a choice. You have a choice to see the good in every situation, no matter how difficult. In fact, every difficult moment in your life is followed by an opportunity for growth and a chance to rise, learn and evolve. You might be thinking, ‘that sounds great, but how?’ By simply realizing that just like beautiful moments come and go, struggles and difficulties pass, and once they do, you are left with unique experiences and the lessons you’ve learned along the way. Lessons, that you can then apply to improve your life and nurture your dreams.
When there are bumps in the road and tough choices to make, make the ones your future self will thank you for.
From my three decades on this earth, I’ve learned some really important things that I wish everyone knew. I call them principles and new ways of looking at your life and the world around you. If you choose fully embrace these 8 principles, they have the ability to change your life for the better.
1. Embrace change
When you embrace change and learn to accept it as a part of life, you are filled with more peace, joy, and courage. By giving yourself permission to fully experience it, change is no longer your enemy. It becomes your biggest teacher.
2. ‘Befriend’ failure
Success comes through failure. We, humans, are almost always, our own worst enemies. Think about the dialogues with your inner critic, that pesky voice that expresses nothing but criticism or disapproval about your choices and actions. Accepting that failing is part of your road to whatever your goal is, will ultimately release you from the fear of failure and teach you how to and how not to do things.
3. Forgive yourself and others
Contrary to what you have been led to believe, forgiveness is not a sign of weakness but an act of courage and strength. When you forgive, it means you’re strong enough to realize that by letting go of resentments and grudges, you can find back inner peace and happiness. Â
4. Let go of your past
Changing the world around you begins with changing the world within you. Instead of spending your time dwelling on the past or thinking, ‘I wish I had..’ or ‘I should have..’, you can choose to let go so you can live in the present and concentrate on the – beautiful –  things that happen right in front of you.
5. Choose to spread kindness and love
The positive energy and happiness surrounding you are greatly affected by the little choices you make every day. Choose to spread kindness and love to a least one person a day. Smile at a stranger, send someone a handwritten card or tell a loved one how much you appreciate them. It’s these little gestures that make a big difference.
6. Celebrate small victories
Celebrating your accomplishments – the things you’ve already manifested or changed, no matter how small—helps you shift your mindset, remember all that you’re capable of, and keeps you motivated.
Put one foot in front of the other and keep moving forward, but don’t forget to pause and acknowledge the small victories along the way.
7. Make time for loved ones
Realize that at the end of the day, what matters most in life, are the people you love and who love you in return. Spend as much time with them as you can, because most things in life are of no value unless they can be shared with your loved ones.
8. Choose YOU
Pretending to be someone you are not, drains your energy. Embrace your true and authentic self. The person inside you that has dreams, passions, ideas and beauty unlike any other. Let him/her out and allow yourself to be YOU bravely!
Image Credit: © Bruniewska / Adobe Stock
