Hey Pollyanna, I Love Your Rose Colored Glasses!

Are you wearing your rose-colored glasses? I hope so, since they’re apparently required for being a positive thinker. Of course, I say this in jest. But, many people really think that positivity equates to being a Pollyanna.

The misconception that being a positive person means being a Pollyanna is nothing new. Many people assume that positive thinkers go through life living in a fantasy world. Nothing could be further from the truth .

In reality, positivity is making the conscious choice to see the brighter side in life, no matter how difficult that may be sometimes.

Being an optimist means trying to see the good through the bad, and this includes seeing the good in people, even when it may seem like they are devoid of good. It’s about trusting, caring, sharing, hoping, helping and…loving.

So rather than going through life with rose-colored glasses on, positivity is about recognizing that negativity is not all there is in life, even if it can very often seem that way.

“Attitude is a choice. Happiness is a choice. Optimism is a choice. Kindness is a choice. Giving is a choice. Respect is a choice. Whatever choice you make makes you. Choose wisely.”
― Roy T. Bennett

The bottom line? Being a positive thinker is not about creating and projecting an idyllic life — it’s about making the best out of the life you have.

Here is some insight on how to not just be a positive person, but to live life as a positive person.

Don’t be a Pollyanna

Life is messy, so clean it up. Life can be hard and it can wear you down…if you let it. Recognize that nothing is ever perfect and that includes people too. Be realistic and learn how to look for the positives in any situation. See that tomorrow is a new day and commit to making it the best day you possibly can.

Practice awareness

Most negative thoughts erupt up from the subconscious, so they are a bit insidious. Work to become more aware of negative thoughts — when they emerge, how, what you were doing when they emerged, etc. Positive thinkers are more aware of negative thoughts and the direction those harmful thoughts will take their life, so they learn to neutralize them as soon as possible.

Be mindful

Related to being more aware, being mindful helps keep you grounded in positivity. When our mind wanders toward the past or future too much, we often ruminate on things that have already happened, or are have not yet taken place. Being mindful means trying to stay in the moment more and means recognizing that negative thoughts are not facts…but, just thoughts.

Nurture your positivity

What makes you happy? What things, people, places or activities bring you joy and contentment? In order to be positive, we have to draw positivity into our lives. Surround yourself with positive people, do things that re-charge your mental strength, take care of yourself and seek out good, positive things in life.

Start the day on a positive note

This may seem like it should be the first “tip,” but it’s last only because it may be one of the most important. How many mornings have you woken up and immediately oriented to the negative — you’re still tired, the weather is awful, you hate going to work…the list goes on and on. Don’t let it! Before you go to bed, think of good things — focus on your blessings and commit…really commit to yourself that you will have a good day tomorrow and that you will wake up in a good mood. To help with that goal, consider saying a positive affirmation upon waking, such as:

This morning, I let the light within me shine brightly on my day. Today is a new day filled with possibilities and I commit to keeping an open mind, a loving heart and a positive attitude.

Top image courtesy of Wikipedia Commons.