Someone, somewhere decided to make December 21st the official “Look on the Bright Side” Day. What a great idea!
I have trained myself to try to look on the bright side EVERY day, and what a difference it makes!
I’ve learned that attitude trumps circumstances. In the words of John Wooden, “Things turn out best for people who make the best of the way things turn out.” Here are a few of my most successful ways of making each day brighter.
Be joyful.
I am so very thankful for growing up in a small town and retaining my sense of WONDER about everything. I encourage you to adopt the mindset of a child or your dog: they live in the moment and the smallest of things make them joyful. Another philosophy I love? Be the person your pet thinks you are.
Pump up your positivity.
Don’t talk about what happened. Talk about what is going to happen. Before I get out of bed each morning, I have a little conversation with God that begins with,”I can hardly wait to see what wonderful thing you have in store for me today.”
Keep an attitude of gratitude.
Oprah said it well, “Be thankful for what you have; you’ll end up having more. If you concentrate on what you don’t have, you will never, ever have enough.”
Be you and be proud.
Be confidant, happy and energetic. It’s contagious. Don’t be so concerned about what others may think of you. In the words of Eleanor Roosevelt, “You wouldn’t worry so much about what others think of you if you realized how seldom they do.”
Hang onto humor.
Studies have shown that people who hold on to a sense of humor, no matter the situation, have fewer medical, social and psychological problems
Praise and edify others.
Be quick to compliment others. Even the grumpiest person responds to kindness. Surround yourself with people who inspire you. Encourage them.
Open your heart.
Studies have shown that being of service to others stokes resilience. For example, my work in animal rescue has led me to meet amazing people who inspire me everyday. The animals remind me that they seem to have the qualities that God had hoped for us: unconditional love and forgiveness.
Stand firm in your faith
Count on it to get you through hard times. Be thankful in the good times. When faced with adversity, I am learning to say, “I know there is a reason for this, just get me through and thank you.”
Now, all these years later, I can see that lessons were learned, people were met, I became a better person…I can honestly thank God even for the adversity.
Treat yourself.
Eat something delicious. Make a festive beverage. Buy yourself a little gift. Do something that makes you happy. You don’t have to explain it to anyone.
Count your blessings
I start and end each day being thankful. There are things that we take for granted everyday that many in the world struggle to find: Sight, health, love, family, friends. I also count even the smallest of things: “Thank you God that I found my car keys this morning and was not late again.”
I look at my little Jane (above) who is in a constant state of wonder and joy and I’m reminded that it is up to me to make each day Simply the Best!
I wish that for each of you.
Tell Me: How do you make each day a little brighter?
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