by Jim White

Created on: February 11, 2008

Recently I had a conversation with a friend about perspective and choice and how to maintain a positive outlook in life. When we are under pressure or feeling a heavy load of stress we tend to react a certain way and this habit can be difficult to change. The first thought that needs to come to the surface is that each person chooses their own perspective. To view life in a positive or negative light is up to each one of us.

When things go wrong or not according to plan, there might be a tendency to think it's not fair or that there's no use trying anymore. Negativity surrounds us much of the day in the form of news stories, gossip at work, and issues with family or friends. As each problem comes our way we have an opportunity to make the most of it. As challenges arise we can use them as a tool to grow and learn; about each other and ourselves.

It's important that we keep life in perspective, which is easy to say but not so easy to accomplish. Patience is required, along with constant awareness and an open mind. Instead of watching the news and thinking about how bad the world is, we can focus our energy on something positive. Maybe there is a child in our family that needs attention and we can play catch with them. Perhaps an elderly neighbor needs help with grocery shopping. There are always people that are worse off than we are and to keep this in mind is crucial to keeping a healthy spirit and a fresh perspective.

When you feel negativity creeping into your mind, understand and be aware of what you are feeling. This step helps get you on the right path. By observing the process of negativity as it develops you can make an instant change to your perspective. If it seems your luck is running out or things just aren't going your way, there's always a flip side. Maybe it's a sign that the path you're on isn't the right one or you need to assess your position in a different light. There's always a positive to be seen, but it depends on how you look at it.

It may seem simple or cliche, but having a positive outlook can be extremely beneficial. Maybe there is a family problem and it seems to be too much to deal with and the usual avenues of escape aren't working. Try a new activity or go for a walk and take in the environment. When the mind is open to all that is going on around us, the sense of helplessness dissipates as we feel connected to the earth. Taking charge of one's life can be as simple as having a spontaneous idea and trying it out, no matter what the outcome. In the end, it's our choice how we view the world we live in. The negative will always exist but it doesn't have to weigh us down.

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