Be Positive, Really?

“We all emit energy patterns and, because we’re sensitive, we’re all affected by those patterns. The current of our presence is powerful, whether we realize it or not. And we’re responsible for the energy patterns we emit. Beneath all our words, we either welcome others as equals or we distance and judge them.” – Mark Nepo

We all go through struggles, through difficult times – some shorter, some longer, some ongoing. Yet through all of our struggles, there are always things to be grateful for, to laugh about, to be hopeful for. In challenging times, we discover the depth of our blessings, the width of our strength and the height of our resolve.

While being positive, having faith, choosing light is the most fulfilling way to live each day, it’s not the easiest path. There are some days that negativity trumps optimism. To deny feelings is to delay them. What we don’t deal with always returns in different ways. And when we go through those days, we so often learn our most important lessons like empathy, kindness and compassion.

The next time someone is quiet or distant, don’t dismiss them or worse yet, flippantly say “be positive.” We all know we should “be positive” but for some real reason we can’t muster it up in that moment. Listen for what you don’t hear. See what’s not so obvious. So often the best advice we can give is silence and quiet presence.

Be positive? Absolutely. Do everything you can do that leads you back to authentic optimism that carries you through and shows others the way through your actions not words.