In today’s complex and chaotic world, we are often surrounded by negativity. You wake up, turn on the news and before you’ve had breakfast, your plate is full of tragedy, struggle and fear. With technology permanently attached to our fingertips, it is very easy for us to be overexposed to the harsh realities of the world. It’s not necessarily a bad thing, but it does have the potential to negatively affect our mood and our mindset without us even knowing. It is my belief that positivity is a state of mind and if we learn to maintain it, it will manifest itself in our daily lives.

There are a few tips that I can offer you to maintain a positive attitude. Feeding your mind, body and spirit is a great place to start. Fueling your body with the proper nutrients and keeping active throughout the day can elevate your mood on a physiological level. Filling your mind and spirit with positive words and positive actions will keep you centered and leave less room for negativity. Instead of checking social media as soon as you wake up, try reading some words of affirmation or devotion. What we do in the morning will likely set the tone for the rest of our day and wouldn’t you rather that tone be one of gratitude, peace and reflection?

Lots of people keep gratitude lists handy as a reminder of the many things to be thankful for. Your children, your home and your health are common examples of things that would be found on a gratitude list. This is an effective tool that will keep your perspective in check. It is imperative to believe what you’re saying. Instead of just saying you’re thankful for the blessings that you have, try to dig deep and find conviction in the things you’re grateful for so you can see how minor some of these “issues” we deal with daily really are. Jotting down some goals that you’ve attained and setting new ones is another thing that can boost your morale and set your course in a new, positive direction.

Negative thoughts will come but do not dwell on them. That is the next tip I have-minimize the negativity around you. If something isn’t serving you, and consistently does more harm than good, leave it. If you’re surrounded by people who tear you down instead of people who build you up, leave them behind. If you’re in a relationship where your partner isn’t empowering you to be the best version of yourself, while embracing wherever it is you are on that journey, leave them behind. Attitude is contagious and if you are around people with a negative outlook on life, you’re going to start to reflect that.

I have learned that life isn’t what happens to you as much as it’s what you do when it happens.

If you are actively focusing on growth and success, reinforcing your thoughts and actions that bolster your spirits, and minimizing the toxicity around you, you will maintain that positive state of mind. Please remember to take care of yourself and learn to genuinely appreciate what you have because when you learn to do that, you have more. It’s when you take things for granted that you find yourself never having enough. It is my hope that this post helps you live life as positively as possible because life is too short not to be sweet.