You get up in the morning groaning silently about the night being too short. You pull back the curtains and the sky is grey and a definite dampness pervades the air. You think ‘another colourless Irish day’. The news comes on and brings horror from all parts of the globe. Before leaving the house you have surrounded yourself in a blanket of negativity.
A little later, when you casually exchange ‘pleasantries’ with the paper man or fellow mothers at the school gates, you moan about the weather. Your first proper conversation of the day will no doubt focus on the horrors in the news. And so on it goes.
Let’s replay the scene.
Same morning – same news – same weather. But as you gaze out the window you give thanks for a warm and comfortable house. Instead of listening to the news, switch to music in the morning. Put on your favourite CD or tune into Lyric FM. Greet everyone you meet with a smile and a cheerful comment – even one tinged with irony… “at least it is not snowing”. Spread positivity and humour.
We are surrounded by negative stories in the media; stories of atrocities, wars and suffering. We need to pray for peace in the world but there is little to be gained by constantly immersing ourselves in images and stories that are horrific and deeply upsetting. Remember that the media gives us a completely lopsided view of the world. There are ‘armies’ of good and kind people working for the benefit of their fellow man and for the good of this wonderful planet we live on. There is lots of good stuff going on that more than balances out the bad. Focus on the positives and cull the amount of time you spend reading or listening to the ‘news.’ There is a saying in healing which is “change the way you look at things and the things you look at will change.”
We create our own reality. If we choose to see only the dark and the negative, that is how our world will be! So starting today make a conscious effort to look for beauty, joy and positivity everywhere. Slow down a little and listen – are there birds singing over the noise of the traffic? Slow down and open your eyes – even the weeds growing in the cracks in the pavement have beautiful flowers. Go for a walk in the rain and feel how the rain feels on your skin.
We live in a world abundant with beauty and joy. We have forgotten how to look for it. So remember that life is good. Carry that message with you every day and open your heart to all you meet so that they cannot help but be infected by your inner joy. Smile at everyone you pass.
A beautiful inspiring piece Barbara! Very simple and true.
Thanks Jan – like me – simple and true!!!! Lol
Ok I won't comment on the simple bit!! or the fact that you gave us this advice on one of the dullest uuchiest days in a long time!
I went shopping today (grocery) and thanked the Lord that I was healthy enough to go out and do my own shopping and that I had money to pay for my purchases!
I am not going for a walk in the rain but will def have a game of tennis in the drizzle and enjoy it!
Thanks Barbara how about a few classes for past pupils?
Beautiful and so true. I totally agree.
I loved – “We live in a world abundant with beauty and joy. We have forgotten how to look for it. So remember that life is good. Carry that message with you every day and open your heart to all you meet so that they cannot help but be infected by your inner joy. Smile at everyone you pass.”
I am with you on that :-).
We always have a choice where to place and focus our attention. . . lets spread some Joy!
“The kindest thing you can do for the people you care about is to become a happy, joyous person.” – Brian Tracey .
“And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. ” – Marianne Williamson
Lovely post Barbara.
Thanks Maureen (go fix your facebook – it keeps asking me to suggest friends for you as you only have one). Anyway – a class is not a bad idea. Leave it with me!
Susannah – you always bring something special to the party. Love the quotations – both of them.
You know no matter how much I think I know these principles of positive living, I need constant reminders. Which are made more effective by others adding their wisdom and agreement! Thanks guys!
Enjoyed this inspiring piece Barbara. I have been experimenting over the past few weeks, smiling at people I pass on the way to work. It amazes me still that they not only smile back but often will say “hi”. Such a little thing to brighten the essence of your day and this simple act may even shift the days aura for that stranger you smiled at.
What a fabulously up-beat post! Thank you:) I try to think like this but forget and allow things to swamp me; thanks for the reminder. A friend was just saying the other day how if we knew as much about all the small charitites and community groups around us as we do about celebrity love lives that we'd be much happier! Thanks!
Thanks for reminding me of what I know to be true… Beautifully written! Great getting that gentle nudge back in the right direction when everything else is pulling me the other way.
Nice piece Barbara…… very inspiring.
You little philosopher…its time for you to come out of the closet, and admit it! Well done, inspiring work. x
That is one great blog. It could be printed and pasted to every fridge door in the country to keep reminding all of us on the importance of not giving in to negativity. It's an easy thing to do particularly at this time of the year as the days get shorter and the weather is less than kind. Well done. I loved it.
Nor