Do you look at the glass half full or half empty? Looking at the glass half full can help you create a new perspective on life. They say that the answer to that question helps to see if you are more of an optimist or a pessimist.
Being positive can not only brighten your own day but also the days of others.
You have no idea how much of an impact smiling to a stranger can have on their day. There are so many different ways in which we can practice positivity in our everyday lives.
Being positive starts with us and it spreads to those around us.
Being grateful is such an important trait when it comes to being positive.
When you find yourself down about something, whether it is failing an exam or just having a bad day, remember what you are grateful for.
Be grateful for the little things in life. For example, maybe it’s the house you live in or the amazing people you are surrounded by each day.
It is easy for us to get so caught up in life that we tend to forget the little things that make life so important.
Each morning when you wake up try to think of things you are grateful for, it will make you a much more positive person overall. It will open your eyes to a new perspective and help you realize things from someone else’s point of view.
When you are in a negative place and focusing on the failures, take a minute to counter each negative with at least one positive thought. By doing this we can create more positivity and kick out the negativity. For example, if you don’t get the grade you hoped for on an exam, take a step back and realize no one is perfect, study harder for next time and get the grade you deserve.
Out of every bad moment, a positive lesson stems from it. Keep your head high and keep moving upward.
Ami Burgos, a junior social work student, offered words of advice. “Count your blessings, always look at the bright side of things, and just always remember that every situation, good or bad, is an opportunity to learn and better yourself,” said Burgos.
Have you ever heard the expression turn that frown upside down? Smiling is an important part of positivity. If you have a smile on your face then nothing can bring you down. The act of smiling can instantaneously change the way that someone feels.
It will not only change the way that you feel but will also positively impact those around you.
Smiling is contagious and is something we should want to spread around. There is no better feeling than when you are having a rough day and a stranger walking past you gives you a smile.
This is just a small gesture that can have such a big impact.
Abbie Urbanak, a junior marine biology student, said, “At the end of each day I like to think of three things that made me smile. Sometimes I have to search harder than others but it helps me appreciate the little things.”
Stepping outside of our comfort zones and doing something kind can help us stay in the positive. Make a goal to do at least one nice thing per day and it will change your outlook on many things.
Andreea Dilorenzo, M.S., a professor of psychology, shared a quote by Maya Angelou that she finds quite powerful. Dilorenzo said that this is the quote that brings life some positivity, “People will forget what you did or what you said, but, they will always remember how you made them feel.”
Being positive is something that can affect your overall health. Sometimes keeping a positive mindset can be hard but in those situations, you need to remember that it is a bad day, not a bad life.
You have control over your life, try to make each day positive. One easy tip in order to make your positivity grow is to have a positive self- talk conversation with yourself. If you overcome negative self-talk, it can make this process so much easier.
One of the best compliments to receive is “you look so happy” or “you really made my day”, so do you want more compliments like that in your life? If so, spread sunshine wherever you go and remember how much of an impact your smile can have.
Every person has the ability to be positive whether they know it or not. Having a positive attitude or outlook on life can overall allow you to have a brighter day. Not only does it bring happiness to your everyday, but you can make someone else’s day better. Be the person that has the “glass half full” outlook on life.
You won’t regret it. We can all be positive, it just takes effort. Think about the good rather than the bad.
PHOTO TAKEN by Cassandra Capozzi-Smith
