Spring Into Positivity

Madissyn Fredericks, Licensed Professional Counselor

Spring is here and that means longer days, warmer weather, and a fresh start. It can be a great time to reflect on how your year has gone so far and consider areas for growth. Maybe it’s exercise, healthy eating, your social life, or your relationship, but it is also important to consider adding more positivity to your life. Seeing the positive side to life lifts your mood, the mood of those around you, and can even boost your self-esteem. “Springing into positivity” can help make you a healthier, happier you with a better outlook on life. Below are a few ways to incorporate positivity into your life on a daily basis.

See the Silver Lining

As humans, it is in our nature to focus on negativity. While negativity is threatening, it doesn’t have to define our daily lives. Negative situations happen all the time, however, you can choose to see the silver lining. Seeing the silver lining means you name the positives that can come out of the situation, the opportunity it brings, and what you can learn from the negative experience. Doing this limits the amount of time you spend dwelling on negativity and allows you the opportunity to see the positive side.

Spotlight Positivity in Your Life

We all have things in our lives we are thankful for, proud of ourselves for, or enjoy. It can be easy to lose sight of those things and focus on the negative life brings your way. Start your mornings by writing down three things in your life that are positive to start your day on the right foot. It may be difficult to come up with them at times, but there are always positive things in our lives that get overlooked each and every day.

Bring Positivity To Another

While focusing on the positive in your life brings so much happiness, being positive towards others can feel even better. Volunteering, complimenting someone, or simply smiling at another person can change your mood instantly. Some other examples include giving someone a hug when appropriate, listening to someone who needs to talk, or lifting someone’s mood. Knowing you made a positive impact in someone’s life fills you up just as much as others doing things for you.

Speak Kindly To Yourself and Others

You may not be aware of it but we can use language that is incredibly negative. You may use phrases such as, “I can’t”, “It’s impossible”, “I am not good enough” which you may begin to believe about yourself over time. Try replacing the negative words and phrases with positive ones such as “I will do my best”, “I know I can do it”, “I am proud of myself for x”. Using positive words helps you be more mindful of when you are being negative and turns your attitude into a more positive one.

If you are finding it difficult to incorporate positivity into your life and would like some support, it may be useful to connect with a therapist. Contact Symmetry Counseling at 312-578-9990 to set up an appointment with one of our very skilled therapists today!