“A pessimist sees the difficulty in every opportunity; an optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty.” ~Winston Churchill
Our lives are filled with choices every day. Perhaps none is more critical than the choice to be positive. Why be positive? There are lots of benefits. Positive people tend to be healthier and live longer lives. They have happier, more fulfilling relationships. They often experience greater professional success. In general, research indicates that positive people simply enjoy life more than negative people.
Letting go of negativity can garner us all of the above-mentioned benefits. However, it is a conscious decision. I wish I could tell you that I am a naturally optimistic person, but I’m not. I tend to be a glass-half-empty kinda gal. I can be critical and I tend to expect the worst. I have to remind myself every day to choose to be positive. John 10:10 says “The thief’s purpose is to steal and kill and destroy. My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life.” Jesus didn’t come so that we could have awful lives. He came so that we could have “rich and satisfying” lives! The choice is ours.
All too often there are outside sources of negativity that we need to consider when “letting go.” Twenty-four hour news channels and social media bombard us from all directions with negative reports. If you really want to let go of negativity, then carefully consider the media that you are consuming on a regular basis. Maybe it’s time to change your diet and focus on the good things that are happening in the world.
Letting go might also mean that it’s time for you to examine the negative people in your life. The “Debbie Downers.” The complainers. The ones who leave you feeling exhausted rather than refreshed. Maybe it’s time that you put some clear boundaries in place in these relationships. Surround yourself with people who are encouraging, hopeful, and optimistic. They will leave you feeling energized!
Philippians 4:8 tells us “And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.” Let’s change our focus today and look on the bright side of life!