Cynical, judgmental and negative thoughts can consume us if we let them. It’s easy to become depressed and discouraged, thinking that the odds are hopelessly stacked against us and we’re left all alone to fend for ourselves. Obviously, life can be difficult and challenging, but we always have a choice when it comes to how we respond to our circumstances. We can develop a positive mental attitude and look on the bright side. We can build mental stamina that keeps us empowered and hopeful, no matter how trying our situation becomes. If you want to adopt the kind of life approach that reveals a happy you regardless of opposition, here are five tips.

1. For starters, write down everything you have to be grateful for

In the midst of a trial or crisis, it’s easy to think that you have nothing going for you, but focusing on the negatives will only keep your spirits down. Get out a pen and piece of paper, or launch a word program, and begin to write a list of everything you have in life to be grateful for. Keep brainstorming until you’ve come up with at least one hundred things. Make your list authentic and specific to your circumstances, but consider writing down your family, friends, neighbors, occupational opportunities, housing, food, clothing, transportation, health, religion, education, talents, hobbies and so on. Things could always be worse so recognize what good you do have in life even though things aren’t perfect.

2. Each day, record one thing about that day that worked out well

Whether you call it a gratitude journal, a thanks diary or even just a notebook, procure some sort of handy paper source for you to write in everyday. You can buy a cutesy journal, stick to a standard spiral or even create your own binder. Since you’re going to use this book as a way to daily remind you to praise the good in your life, go ahead and embellish the book in a way that lifts your spirits even just by looking at it. Every night, think of at least one component of the day that you’re grateful for.

3. Surround yourself with positivity

Negative people and cynical forms of entertainment can keep you down. Surrounding yourself with complainers who respond with sarcasm and snark to everything can drastically influence your own thoughts and feelings. If you really want to have a positive mental attitude, empowered to see the best in situations and people, keep yourself in good company. Spend time with those who uplift and edify, helping you to feel great about yourself and positive about life.

4. With every interaction or experience, recognize what’s good

As trials come and go, train yourself to recognize what positive outcomes have resulted. Identify what you have learned, what you have gained. A sad experience can still provide valuable life lessons so be appreciative and realize how it is that you can sincerely give thanks for your various interactions. A job interview might not have gone well, but you can let the takeaways gleaned help you to do better next time. A friend might have hurt your feelings, but perhaps you now are in a better and more sensitive place to avoid doling out the same kind of hurt to someone else because you know the pain potentially attached to such a comment or act. See what worked out well even in the midst of an experience that wasn’t that great overall and be grateful accordingly.

5. Look around and find ways to serve

Part of being positive and happy is positively engaging with others, temporarily forgetting yourself and your own worries in order to help another who is perhaps in a more critical condition himself. Look around you everyday and see what simple and small ways there are for you to help another in need. Daily, simple acts of kindness are what make the world go ‘round so join in on the fun and see your attitude naturally improve with each selfless moment. 

Source: Healthdigests.com