virgin islands scene

Adversity reveals genius, prosperity conceals it.
-- Horace
 

 

Friday, October 25, 2002

Staying positive

It’s easy to be positive when you’re reading or listening to something positive, or when you’re in pleasant, peaceful surroundings. But how do you stay positively focused when there is confusion and despair all around you?

First, realize that staying focused on the positive possibilities is almost always the best, most effective way to respond to even the most negative situation. It doesn’t mean ignoring or denying the very real difficulties which are present, but rather focusing on the most positive, productive responses to them.

Next, line up your intentions with your understanding that a positive perspective is realistically the most effective perspective no matter what the circumstance. Then take your intention and your commitment to being positive one step further and act on it.

Once you experience the very real power and grace of staying positively focused in a negative and challenging situation, it makes an impression on you. Keep that experience in mind, and the next time your positive focus comes more easily and naturally.

Soon, what was once an act of faith can become a matter of habit. The more you remind yourself to stay positive, the less you will need to be reminded.

The world is filled with difficult challenges. When you see for yourself the value of a positive response, you’ll acquire a powerful tool for meeting those challenges.

— Ralph Marston

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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.