Week 2 Choose to See the Glass Half Full

In one of my favorite childhood primary songs we sang:

If you chance to meet a frown, do not let it stay.

Quickly turn it upside down and smile that frown away!

No one likes a frowny face, change it for a smile.
Make the world a better place by smiling all the while.


Smiling Eminates such powerful positive energy!!  Have you ever noticed that being around a happy baby or child just makes you feel good?

So much of how we feel is affected by our thoughts or beliefs about ourselves and what is happening.  We see the world through the filters of our heart.  Learn to take a negative thought or feeling and acknowledge it, but quickly turn it around and speak truth that counteracts the negativity

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For example:

You get passed over for a promotion feelings of fury and inferiority well up in you.  You feel it and acknowledge.  That felt awful being passed over.  It makes me feel like my efforts are not recognized and appreciated.  I don't like feeling this way. I know I work hard and I do well at my job.   I will choose to stay positive and if there is anything I can do to improve and stay dedicated I will do it and I will remain open to other opportunities in store that I may not have known are waiting for me.


Do you see how that takes a negative situation and it doesn't ignore it or pretend it doesn't hurt, but it also doesn't let it crush us and feel or act in ways that aren't in our best interest.  There is a hope for the future and a plan for better times.

Another example is if someone says or does something cruel to you.  Or you get rejected by a peer.  Feelings of rejection or worthlessness or low self esteem wash over you.

You feel it, and say "Wow that hurts.  I'm feeling small and insignificant and unloveable.  Being treated like that may make me feel worthless, but I know the truth is I am of infinite worth and the right  people who are meant to be in my life will recognize this.  I forgive them for not seeing or appreciating who I am or what I have to offer.   I know God loves me and his love is stronger than anyone else's indifference.  I am shielded in the armor of His love when I choose to open my heart and receive it."


 Use the Golden Rule.  Treat others the way you would like to be treated.  This includes being kind to yourself.  If you make a mistake don't excuse it, blame others or condemn yourself.  Just Acknwlege it was a mistake, learn from it and move on a better, wiser person.

 Service produces happiness!   When I was in college I came to see how important service was.  My roommate was having a tough week and although I had been in a slump myself I had a desire to do something to cheer her up.  I made her bed and left a plate of her favorite treat on it.  Even before she came home I marveled at the impact this small act had on me.  I thought I would just be cheering her up, but I felt my own mood elevated with compassion and excitement of how happy she would be to find my surprise.  She loved it and it was reciprocated and we both found that whenever either of us would start feeling a little lonely or depressed or overwhelmed  we would look around for someone else that needed a boost and then tried to do an anonymous act of service for them.  Everytime we lost ourselves in being anxiously engaged in a good cause our slump would clear.  That is not to say that you ignore your needs or problems, but you face them and do what you can and try not to make matters worse by worry and regret.   When someone does something nice for you and you feel how it lifts you, PAY IT FORWARD and spread the love to the next person you see. 

I am learning to balance my life, and I am improving daily, but even in my adult life I burn the candle at both ends and end up feeling rushed, unprepared, cranky, hormonal and not in my best form to respond to obstacles.   On such a morning I rushed out of the house with a list of commands to my kids who were watching t.v.  I came home and had a mini tantrum because guests were expected and the kids were still on the couch watching t.v. and I was feeling overwhelmed with what needed to be done in the time remaining.    I had to rush to another appointment and when I got back the kids had made an effort to help and I calmed down but still had residual negative feelings.  I came into my room and found my daughter had made my bed and cooked some of my favorite paleo crepes and herbal teas and treats with little love notes all over them.  My heart melted and all the feelings I was harboring floated away....

Give others the same understanding and forgiveness that you would like to have when you are not being your best self.

Remember the classic book" Pollyanna?"

She was an chronic optimist that liked to play a game called the GLAD GAME.  If something sad or bad was happening she would turn it into a game to try to find things to be happy about or find the silver lining in the situation.

The book made such an impact that Pollyanna or pollyanish or pollyanaism is now in the dictionary!

Do not underestimate the power of positivity and smiling.  It really can make the world a better place


You are affected by the energy of the people around you.  If at all possible surround yourself with happy positive people.  I love being around my sisters and brothers and now my kids because no one can make me laugh like they do!!  Not only is it a great ab work out but it releases happiness hormones and relieves stress. 


Homework:

Do 10 Random Acts of Kindness
Plan an Anonymous Act of Service

Watch the SECRET the Law of Attraction
You Tube TED TALKS the power of smiling

Practice smiling on the inside and
Keep a TAI CHI smile to greet everyone you meet.

Next to chocolate, Sisters are the best medicine!