Positivity is defined as maintaining a good attitude, even when faced with difficulty.  It is easy to have a positive attitude when things go well, but a person who exhibits the character trait of positivity maintains a positive attitude even in the face of physical hardship, poor conditions, uncooperative co-workers, ungrateful customers, unpleasant tasks, and sheer monotony.

Positivity is not about the absence of difficulty, nor is positivity about avoiding trouble.  Disappointments are a part of life.  The ability to be positive can often be found in a life in proper focus; in a life that sees and knows a greater purpose.  People and circumstances can hurt, but a positive person can maintain a good attitude by focusing on a greater mission or cause.  Even when going through a hardship, taking the time to make a difference in someone else’s life can renew the positivity in our own life.

Maintaining positivity can also be found in reframing and changing the message your mind plays over and over about a situation.  Life can be difficult. There are losses, and no amount of reframing can change the hurt or heartache of those losses.  But when we find ourselves lacking in positivity because we are overly tired, discouraged, or feeling burned out, positively reframing the situation can change our mental message, which can change our outlook.

A friend of mine recently demonstrated an example of positive reframing.  Three days a week, she drives her father to South Tulsa for Physical Therapy at 6:00 in the morning.  Not exactly something she looks forward to, but the therapist told her she was welcome to use the workout equipment while she was there. So, rather than lamenting about the early mornings or extended time in the car, she has reframed the situation to be thankful for the opportunity to spend time with her dad, as well as a forced opportunity to get back in the habit of working out.

If you have ever struggled with maintaining a positive outlook when faced with difficulty, (which, let’s admit it, probably at one time or another all of us have, or at least I know I have), here are some practical tips, in addition to living a life of purpose and reframing.

• Read or listen to something encouraging and inspiring.
• Listen to your favorite music.
• Get the proper amount of sleep, nutrition, and exercise. You don’t have to train for a marathon; you can experience health benefits in a 15 minute walk.  Combine a walk with listening to an encouraging podcast or your favorite music.
• Spend time with people you enjoy. Whether the time is spent laughing, crying, sharing an encouraging word, or just visiting, I know I always walk away with the burdens of my heart feeling lighter after spending time with someone important to me.
• Start each day out stating something you are grateful for.
• Go out of your way to encourage someone else, or do something kind for someone else.

In difficult circumstances, we cannot ignore the real problems facing us; however, we don’t have to let circumstances rob us of our hope.  Pain may be inevitable but misery is optional.

Originally published in the Owasso Reporter June 2018.