Wednesday, November 13, 2002

Bring out the positive

On any given day, there are many more positive things that happen to you than there are negative things. Yet often it can seem very much to be the other way around.

Ironically, that’s because the good and positive things are so common, so much a part of life, that you often fail to even notice them. In contrast, the negative, troubling things get your attention precisely because they are relatively unusual.

Unfortunately, by giving so much awareness and attention to the negative things, you also give them strength and support. Obviously that’s not really what you want.

Instead of letting the small number of difficulties grab all your attention, work to become more aware of the overwhelmingly large number of good things. Challenge yourself to compile a list in your mind, as the day goes on, of at least 20 good, positive, valuable things that come your way.

Most people, when asked to make a list of their troubles, would quickly be able to name dozens of things. Yet when you start looking instead for your blessings, and keeping a mental record of them, what you discover will positively amaze and delight you.

Put a little effort into bringing out the positive, and it will bring out the best in you.

— Ralph Marston

Clarity of possibilities       Put yourself into it

Copyright ©2002 Ralph S. Marston, Jr. All Rights Reserved. The Daily Motivator is provided for your personal, non-commercial use only. Other than personal sharing, please do not re-distribute without permission.