Tricks To Staying Positive And Staying Happy
Positive pos-i-tive [poz-i-tiv]
- adjective
emphasizing what is laudable, hopeful, or to the good; constructive
I am including the definition above because many of us forget the meaning and importance of this word in our daily lives.
Staying positive is not a simple trick. Reading a page about tips on staying positive won't suddenly change your outlook on life, but it can make you start thinking differently. The main trick to staying positive is wanting to be happy. If you want to be happy and positive, then you can! When it seems like the world is closing in on you, check out this lens for fresh inspiring tips on things you can do to improve your outlook or situation to make it a more positive one.
Positive Affirmations
What Are They, And How You Can Use Them
In short...Every thought we think and word we say is an affirmation. Affirmations hold resonance within us; an energy that vibrates in and around us. Our subconscious uses these thoughts to respond and to react emotionally, and physically with our environment. Thinking negative thoughts only serves to increase your depressed mood. With positive affirmations, you are putting your positive energy out there to make yourself happier and healthier.
Positive affirmations are generally short statements or words that are repeated aloud, written down, or both. These affirmations target specific areas of our subconscious and challenge our negative thinking habits to turn them into positive ones. Some people refer to this as a personal term of "brainwashing". Washing away the negative thoughts and ideals they posses and replacing them with more positive ones.
Here are some basic affirmations to get you started. You can also Google additional affirmations based on the type of positive thinking you wish to accomplish.
To use:
Say them aloud to yourself. It helps if you are looking at yourself in a mirror while repeating the affirmation.
Write them down. Write an affirmation down many times (about 15-20) to help imprint it on your mind. You can also write them down on separate note pads or sheets of paper to leave around your house. This way you will think of the affirmation each time you see it!
Affirmations:
- Life is a joy filled with delightful surprises
- My life is a joy filled with love, fun and friendship all I need do is stop all criticism, forgive, relax and be open.
- I choose love, joy and freedom, open my heart and allow wonderful things to flow into my life.
- I can choose a positive state of mind
- I can handle whatever comes
You can Google other affirmations to fit your needs. Also, here are some great Affirmation Resources
Small Activities You Can Do To Lift Your Mood
When Life Gives You Lemons...
Make lemonade! Yes, really. The smell of fresh citrus fruits often gives a boost to chemicals in your brain, making you feel happier :)Start a new exercise such as Yoga or Tai Chi.
Start a new hobby! Take up flower arranging, painting, dance lessons...something that interests you and makes you feel happy.
Go play in the kids toy section at your local Walmart. Pick up a bright bouncy ball or other fun toy.
Take photographs. Go find beauty in the land around you and take some great snapshots. Decorate your walls with them!
Wander around your local craft store and brainstorm fun things to make for your home.
Listen To Music
My Favorite Cheery Songs. Put These On Your Playlist!
Music is a wonderful therapeutic tool. Listening to some happy songs is a great way to boost your mood. Here are some all time favorite pick-me-up songs that you should have on your playlist. You can even click on the links and download them directly from Amazon now!The Beach Boys - Good Vibrations
The Beatles - Here Comes the Sun (Live)
Chris Cagle - What A Beautiful Day
Katrina and The Waves - Walking On Sunshine
Bobby McFerrin - Don't Worry Be Happy
Daniel Powter - Bad Day
Rascal Flatts - Life is a Highway
The Stray Cats - Rock This Town
Theme From Rocky
Louis Armstrong - What a Wonderful World
Bif Naked - I Love Myself Today
John Mayer - Waiting On The World To Change
Sheryl Crow - Soak Up The Sun
Frank Sinatra - When You're Smiling
Positive Quotations
Review These Quotations When You Need A Pick Me Up
"Fear less, hope more; Eat less, chew more; Whine less, breathe more; Talk less, say more; Love more, and all good things will be yours"- Swedish Proverb
"A pessimist sees the difficulty in every opportunity; an optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty."
- Winston Churchill
"A positive attitude may not solve all your problems, but it will annoy enough people to make it worth the effort."
- Herm Albright
"Once you replace negative thoughts with positive ones, you'll start having positive results."
- Willie Nelson
"Positive anything is better than negative nothing."
- Elbert Hubbard
"There are always flowers for those who want to see them."
- Henry Matisse
"When one door of happiness closes, another opens, but often we took so long at the closed door that we do not see the one that has been opened up for us"
- Helen Keller
"If you change the way you look at things, the things you look at change."
- Dr Wayne Dyer
"Pessimist : A person who says that O is the last letter of ZERO, instead of the first letter in word OPPORTUNITY."
- Anonymous
"You must be the change you want to see in the world."
- Mahatma Gandhi
Meditate
Tips On Meditating
Through research we have learned that our brain changes when we practice meditation. Meditation helps combat stress, improves physical health, makes you sleep better, feel happier and feel more at peace with yourself.How To Meditate
1. Be Conscious Of Your Posture:
It is important that your back and spine is straight, with your head up. You can accomplish this sitting on the floor, bed or a chair but make sure that you have the correct posture.
2. Correct Breathing:
Breath from your stomach so with each breath you feel your stomach expand and contract. Concentrate on your breathing and count your breaths. Take one breath in and count "one", let it out and count "two" continuing on. Keep counting until you notice your mind has strayed, if so, start back at one and see how much higher you can count.
3. Clear Your Mind:
Try and keep your mind clear of any thoughts and outside influences such as sound. When you notice your mind drifting, gently bring it back into focus by concentrating on your breathing. It also helps to acknowledge the thought and then politely ask it to leave.
4. Length
Length is different for everyone. It is recommended you start meditating for atleast 10 minute periods. You can and are encouraged to go longer if you feel that you can do so comfortably.
5. Surroundings
Make sure you choose a comfortable place to meditate that is free from any distractions. Turn your phone ringers off, close your windows if you live near a busy street and make your meditation area as comfortable and welcoming as possible.
My Favorite Resources
Some Great Resources To Encourage Positive Thinking.
I highly suggest taking the time to visit these sites.
- The Help Is Here
- The Help Is Here features a large listing of useful and informative stories, tips and articles. You can visit their great Self Improvement section by visiting the link above.
- Ambition To Meaning
- Great great online movie by Dr. Wayne Dyer. Wayne Dyer explores the spiritual journey in the second half of life when we long to find the purpose that is our unique contribution to the world. The powerful shift from the ego constructs we are taught early in life by parents and society-which promote an emphasis on achievement and accumulation-are shown in contrast to a life of meaning, focused on serving and giving back.
This movie can be watched online, purchased, or you can find a screening near you. - You Can Heal Your Life: The Movie
- A great movie by Louise Hay based on her best selling book "You Can Heal Your Life." I loved this book, it gave me a whole new approach to thinking. I would suggest reading the book, watching the movie or both.
Right now, if you Subscribe to the Louise L. Hay Newsletter, you will receive a free gift! - The I Can Do It, Mind Body & Soul Retreat
- I LOVE these things. They host one annually each year in various places and you leave feeling absolutely refreshed and at peace. This is my favorite vacation each year because I feel so much better after one of these than going anywhere else.
This annual conference gives you the opportunity to relax and enjoy a forum where each speaker offers the opportunity for spiritual and body enlightenment. Don't miss this highly recommended and unforgettable experience at the venue of your choice. - The Secret Behind The Secret
- If you loved The Secret, you will definitely want to check this book out!
- HayHouse Books
- The BEST self improvement store there is. They not only have books, they also have movies, conferences, all sorts of gifts...this site literally keeps me busy for hours on end.
They also have a free Hay House Radio Channelwhich I listen to throughout the day. Lots of topics of interest are discussed there.
Amazon
One Final Note
Depression IS something to be concerned about
We all have times when we just can't think positively, no matter how hard we try. However, if your depression is running or ruining your life, it is time to seek medical advice. Depression is a serious illness that should not be ignored. Millions of people are diagnosed with depression, so you are not alone. Speak to your medical care provider about treatment options for you.
Penny For Your Thoughts
I would love to hear from you!
Let me know what you think in the space provided. If you liked my site, don't forget to give me a rating by scrolling up and clicking on the stars at the top of the page :D
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- Snozzle Snozzle Feb 27, 2009 @ 10:29 am
- I find one of the best ways to stay positive is to always have several 'things' to look forward to - they can be small or big but it keeps focus on the good things in life.
Mike.
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Reply
- NaturalMindset NaturalMindset Feb 26, 2009 @ 7:48 pm
- Hi,
I enjoyed your lens! Five stars and lensrolled at Get Well Wishes and Words of Encouragement . SCOF
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Reply
- ElizabethJeanAllen ElizabethJeanAllen Feb 26, 2009 @ 4:31 pm
- Wonderful reminders.
Thanks for sharing.
Lizzy
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Reply
- OhMe OhMe Feb 26, 2009 @ 4:31 am
- A very positive "feel good" lens. A great way to start the day. Thank you.
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Reply
- Cumberland Cumberland Feb 24, 2009 @ 7:02 am
- I like this lens. Affirmations can change one's life. You included one of my favorites; Gandhi's "You must be the change you want to see in the world. I suggest, for consideration, prefacing any affirmation possible with the phrase, "I Am". It makes it more powerful and personal. 5 Stars.
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Positive Affirmation Products
Affirmations Mug
Remind yourself that today will be joyful with our "Today I Choose Joy" Affirmation Mug
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Healthy Habits Re-Usable Grocery Bag
Take our environmentally friendly grocery bag shoppinh with you to remind you to stick to healthy habits.
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Accomplishments Journal
Keep a positive frame of mind by writing your accomplishments our affirmations in this handy journal.
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Each Moment Brings Peace - Inspirational Sticker
Buy this sticker to add somewhere you see daily, such as below a clock or on a mirror. Remind yourself that even the hard times will soon pass.
Price: 5.99
Affirmations Mug
Remind yourself that today will be joyful with our "Today I Choose Joy" Affirmation Mug
Price: 13.99
Healthy Habits Re-Usable Grocery Bag
Take our environmentally friendly grocery bag shoppinh with you to remind you to stick to healthy habits.
Price: 16.00
Accomplishments Journal
Keep a positive frame of mind by writing your accomplishments our affirmations in this handy journal.
Price: 12.49
Accomplishment Bag
Carry this bag reminding yourself of the positive affirmation that you can accomplish anything
Price: 21.99
Each Moment Brings Peace - Inspirational Sticker
Buy this sticker to add somewhere you see daily, such as below a clock or on a mirror. Remind yourself that even the hard times will soon pass.
Price: 5.99
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by BeccaB
About me: A girl and her keyboard somewhere on the interwebs
I have an interest in a great many subjects and am always learning new things. One of my... (more)
I have an interest in a great many subjects and am always learning new things. One of my... (more)
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