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The world is full of negative influences. Advertisers tell us we will never make it on the "A" list unless we use their products, have a tummy tuck, whiten our teeth, and change pretty much everything about ourselves. Standing up against such influences takes willpower and good self esteem.

Negative people are a main cause of negativity. This may sound harsh, but how often have you been in a relatively good mood, only to start a conversation with a negative person. It doesn't take long for that person to start to complain and carry on about all of their burdens. Pretty soon, you find yourself complaining too, about things you can't control. You start to feel unhappy with your job, spouse, house, and everything else in your life. This occurs because you have been concentrating on the negatives rather than the positive forces in your life. Avoiding these negative people allows you to put your problems in perspective.

There are many articles out about the "Attitude of Gratitude." I know it sounds corny, but it works for me. One way to develop this gratitude attitude is to make a list of ten things you are grateful for every day. You can do this before you go to sleep at night, or as soon as you wake up in the morning. You don't need to write them down, just tick them off in your head. By concentrating on what you are grateful for daily, you begin to realize it's the little things that you truly appreciate each day. One day you might be grateful for a beautiful sunset another day a warm chocolate chip cookie.

Smiles are one of the most positive actions you can do in your life. Smile at strangers, smile at the doorman, smile at the neighbor driving by, and smile at your family, it costs you nothing and really can make a difference in your day as well as someone else's. Once while in the Bahamas my husband and I rode a jitney back to our hotel. The bus was very crowded with locals and I found a seat between a very large woman and man. When I looked over at the woman, she glared at me, but I just smiled and shrugged my shoulders. For a moment I thought she might toss me out of my seat, but then she just smiled back and shook her head back and forth, I'm sure she was thinking stupid tourist, but I think she left the bus more positive than when she got on. A smile can offer kindness, hope, and good wishes to someone who is just having a bad day, so try one on and see how it fits.

The world needs more positive people. By trying to reduce the negative influences of your life, adopting an attitude of gratitude, and smiling, your world view should soon begin to become more positive and who wouldn't like to have a more positive view of the world?

Learn more about this author, TD Small.
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