How do we stay positive around people that are wrapped up in the drama of situations?
If you’ve made the commitment to think positive no matter what, you’ll need to keep an eye out for triggers that could spark your inner negativity. We all
have them. A bad day at work, a fight with your spouse or even a nasty cold virus could get you feeling all gloomy. However, one of the most powerful negative influences that any of us deal with is each other.
Getting Pulled into Negativity by Friends
Not everyone understands the power of positive thinking. In fact, most people are stuck in habitual communication patterns that involve complaining, criticizing others and refusing to take responsibility for their own happiness. If you’re aware of this, you can most likely steer any given conversation in a positive direction, even if your friend is on a real negative rant. In some circumstances, you can directly acknowledge the negativity by making a joke about it and changing the subject, but if you think something like that might upset your friend, you will have to find sneakier ways of making things more positive.
Accepting People as They Are
If you’re trying to keep things positive, and your friend is ignoring your attempts, keep in mind that negativity can’t be avoided in every situation. Sometimes, we need to encounter negative things and survive troubling moments in order to grow. If helping a friend see the positive side doesn’t work, try simply listening. It’s important to give people space to vent and learn at a pace that feels natural for them. You can’t force someone to see the bright side. If you refuse to accept anything but positivity and shut people out for being negative, you could miss out on the chance to really help people and to grow. Try to lead by example and remember that there are very few truly negative people. Everyone is doing their best.
Seeking New Connections
One of the best ways to increase the amount of positivity in your life is to seek out other souls who understand the power of our thoughts. You don’t have to dump your old friends to find new ones. It’s fine to have lots of different people in your life, but the more positive people you can add to your team, the better. Not only can they help you, but they can also become pillars in a strong community of positive thinkers, which will help influence the people who are still struggling. As you and your friends work to improve the energy around you, you’ll be amazed at the great things you can attract.
