Why I Strive To Stay Positive In All Situations

You know, Life has its way of pulling us back to gratitude no matter how far behind you think you may be, and as I sit here with my trusty pen and paper, I can't help but reflect on why I'm such a big believer in staying positive. It is very true that you cannot stay positive 24/7. Waves of negativity will hit you once in a while but staying positive is something I always look out for. I resonate more with George Herbet's Poem "The Pulley " now than I did when I first read it in High School. Let me take you through it.

It goes:

"When God at first made man,
Having a glass of blessings standing by,
“Let us,” said he, “pour on him all we can.
Let the world’s riches, which dispersèd lie,
Contract into a span.”
So strength first made a way;
Then beauty flowed, then wisdom, honour, pleasure.
When almost all was out, God made a stay,
Perceiving that, alone of all his treasure,
Rest in the bottom lay.
“For if I should,” said he,
“Bestow this jewel also on my creature,
He would adore my gifts instead of me,
And rest in Nature, not the God of Nature;
So both should losers be.
“Yet let him keep the rest,
But keep them with repining restlessness;
Let him be rich and weary, that at least,
If goodness lead him not, yet weariness
May toss him to my breast.

It is a perfect explanation that if we had/have everything we want, our level of gratitude would be limited or even lost, I mean, what would we appreciate? There would be no need to be thankful for anything because no void would make you thankful for something you have. what will we be seeking in life?

Throughout the years, it's been quite a journey for me, not a bad one, but an interesting one and I don't know at which point of my life I started this gratitude thing, but It was an epiphany for me. It has shaped who I am in some pretty amazing ways. Life has thrown all sorts of curveballs my way, but I've learned that keeping a positive outlook is the key to getting through it all.

What I have come to realize is that life is indeed a remarkable teacher who is constantly reminding us to be grateful for the blessings we have. Let me take you back to the poem. Herbert's words illuminate the paradoxical nature of human existence. If we were to possess everything we yearn for, what meaning would life hold? What would drive us to seek new experiences and strive for personal growth? The poem suggests that it is precisely our unfulfilled desires that propel us forward, it is that void and desire for more that keeps us seeking growth and development, and all these, God did intentionally.

Therefore, embracing gratitude feels like I'm opening doors for abundance, It is like creating space to receive more of the things I desire. I acknowledge the fact that I lack a lot in my life, but then I use the power of gratitude to attract what I want. Preaching positivity does not mean you have all you want, but acknowledging the reality that at least you have something and you are positive that you will eventually have more.

Not everyone finds it easy to create a positive mindset, we come from different backgrounds with people emerging from toxic surroundings while others are fortunate enough to come from very positive ones. An attitude of gratitude is, therefore, something that is cultivated over time. Sometimes, it becomes shaky when we face difficulties but consistency is key. To have a positive mindset, gratitude forms the foundation at least from how I developed mine. By cultivating appreciation for even the smallest joys and triumphs, I have discovered the immense power it has to shift my perspective and infuse each day with renewed hope. It reminds me to focus on the present moment "Carpe Diem" cherishing the beauty that surrounds me, and finding solace in the simple pleasures of life.

This belief in staying positive has become ingrained in my being. It acts as a guiding light, illuminating the darkest corners of uncertainty and doubt. It fuels my resilience and empowers me to face challenges head-on, knowing that there is always a silver lining waiting to be uncovered. It has also grown over time from the people I surround myself with. I like being around people who speak positively about others. I have realized that when I stay too long in places where negativity is spread, I get drained out of my energy and I grow tired and sad, so I avoid such spaces. I do not make it obvious lest I create a certain atmosphere around me that will not foster friendship, but I sometimes do that by simply listening to music or just trying to change the conversation.

Through gratitude, I have found strength in vulnerability, courage in times of adversity, and joy amidst the storms. It has taught me that even in the face of hardship, there is always something to be thankful for—a lesson that continues to shape me into the person I aspire to be and what I am now.

As I reflect on my journey of embracing gratitude, I am reminded of the wisdom embedded in George Herbert's poem. Life's curveballs may be unpredictable and at times overwhelming, but by choosing to cultivate a positive outlook, we unlock the true essence of our existence—a life filled with meaning, purpose, and an unquenchable thirst for growth. I mean, that is why God made us imperfect so that if what we have does not bring us to him, what we desire will eventually send us running to him to beg him for what we want.

Comment and share your thoughts if this resonates with you.