KEEPING A POSITIVE OUTLOOK

There are many differing strategies people adopt in order to try and stay positive to help survive all sorts of situations life throws at them. Many people cope with situations on their own, or through the help of family, friends or health professionals. However, although they manage to cope, this does not necessarily mean to say that they consider they have a "Good Life". There are many people who, unfortunately for them, are not able to enjoy the benefits of a positive outlook when dealing with adversity. If anyone reads my blog who is in this category, I should point out that, although I am one of the lucky ones who has an innate positive attitude to life, I appreciate that many individuals who although they would possibly like to be able to adopt a positive attitude to adversity, find it extremely difficult, if not impossible.

An approach I find helpful in maintaining a positive attitude, is to avoid focusing on aspects of life that I am no longer able to undertake, or to take part in. Instead, I now focus on what I can do and look for opportunities to try and increase their variety and range. This does not always have to be something physical. It is often an inspirational thought process resulting from a quiet moment listening to a piece of classical music. The writing of a letter to a politician or sometimes royalty or other a world leader, expressing my thoughts on issues. To some this may seem a strange thing to do. However, my attitude is, if I find it helpful, I DO IT! 

Another aspect to retaining a positive attitude and enjoying a good life, in spite of the dementing process, is to be able to maintain a sense of humour. When possible have a laugh at yourself, particularly about issues that were not amusing at the time and which possibly involved a stressful situation for both yourself and for others, as a result of your action. The following incident last week caused a considerable degree of stress for myself  and both stress and embarrassment for my wife and a visitor to our home. However, now, a few days later, a description of the incident to visitors by both my wife and myself, enabled us to see the funny side of the incident and on my part, acceptance that, although there was a logical reason for my reaction at the time, on reflection, I acknowledge that had a similar occurrence happened a few years ago, I would have dealt with the situation in a far more diplomatic manner.

To be able to look back on incidents, as above, and to be able to see the funny side ( if not viewed as funny at the time) is another major contributory factor to helping keep a positive attitude.

JSAFGA