It can be difficult to stay positive. When everyday stress constantly lingers and the world feels like chaos with no control, it’s easy to fall into a “what does it matter” mindset. Maybe I’m just speaking for myself, but I’d imagine others feel this way, too.
Though I’m sure there are some people who are naturally programmed to look on the bright side, it’s an effort-based practice for most.
I often think of this cartoon image of two people on a bus. One is sitting and looking out a window that faces nothing but rock. Based on their view, they have a miserable look on their face. The other person is on the opposite side of the bus, looking out the window at beautiful scenery with a smile on their face. Person A could easily move to the other side of the bus for a better view — all it takes is a little effort.
This always comes to mind when I’m trying to find the bright side in something seemingly negative — how do I get a better view from the bus?
The more difficult the situation, the more difficult it can be to sift out the positive. But, the more difficult the situation, the more important the positive is.
This point was reinforced earlier this week when one of my work tasks had me sitting in as a sound engineer on a podcast about cancer journeys. The guest (we’ll call her Sharon) volunteered her time to share her journey through breast cancer.
In the final phases of treatment, she came to the recording with a palpable feeling of gratitude for her support system, her doctors and her second chance at good health. Throughout the conversation, she kept coming back to the point that having a positive outlook was key to fighting cancer.
Sure, there were some really hard days. However, Sharon knew that a positive outcome was contingent on her positive outlook.
She bought a poster board where she wrote “count your blessings” in the middle. Any time something good happened, she’d write it on the board.
She kept this board on the wall of her living room, right in the line of sight from her chair. She’d wind down each day by looking at the blessings that had accumulated.
Now that she’s nearing the end of treatment, the poster has moved to her home office, where she can still appreciate its purpose.
Similar to the bus cartoon, Sharon not only chose to take the seat with the good view — she created the good view herself.
As we gear up to move into a new week and new month, ask yourself what you can do to improve your view.