Keeping a Positive Mindset in Challenging Times

Have you pondered the impact of thinking positively?

How do you define positivity, and the mindset of ‘positive’, for yourself?

There are times in life – while in the throes of its ebb and flow – when we reflect on the past and present, and the current trajectory of our lives.

I am a deep-thinking person, with an analytical mind – and I often make time for reflection, and self-reflection.

Unequivocally, the past cannot be changed.

There is only today. There is now.

Time for reflection, and contemplation, helps me to move progressively forward, and to maintain a positive mindset.

The Impact of Thinking Positively, as Life Moves Forward

Everyday life continues for all of us, amid challenges, and unforeseen circumstances.

The Coronavirus pandemic, at its height, and throughout – has brought so much upon all of us. And its consequences have perpetuated unprecedented, multi-tiered and multi-faceted worldwide change.

We are left to recover, and to begin anew. And with so much change – next to the continual and far-reaching fallout, our rebuilt landscape seems fragile, and it is always evolving.

We are constantly and consistently refamiliarizing ourselves with this strange and daunting terrain. And this continues to be a catalyst for reflection.

Still, life has carried on, inevitably.

The holiday season again brings time and opportunity for reflection. Christmas and other holidays are not always easy, and this can weigh heavily upon our hearts and minds.

It is a reminder that there are things we can do to encourage and to maintain a positive attitude. And it will radiate to, and positively impact, those around us.

It can be unsettling – to establish, and re-establish our lives – and to find stable, and then forward-moving footing.

We have all confronted and risen from the depths of hard times.

Employment challenges, food and security concerns, turbulent relationships and family dynamics…

The multitude of stressors that we must contend with, work through, and resolve in our lives, is complex and continual.

There are likely experiences, and periods of time in our lives that we regret, and thus might never want to repeat. Contemplating them might needle feelings of discontent, confusion, and a sense of loss, perhaps.

Our trials and our turmoil are among our best teachers.

Changing Our Mindset to Think Positively

Thinking positively impacts – and can be profoundly impacted by – one’s physical, emotional and mental health. And when one thinks positively, it radiates to others, and influences their emotions and general mindset, positively.

We all have positive, and challenging days. And sometimes it might take a little bit of time to change our mind frame. And it can be difficult at times, to not let our challenges overshadow our efforts to settle into a positive mindset.

Do you have daily routines that help you to maintain your positive mindset?

Practising gratitude, engaging in meditation, listening to music, writing, a health and fitness regimen, time with friends and family, or a beloved pet(s)…

The possibilities are vast. And you might find one, or a few of these opportunities that resonate, to help you reconsider your outlook.

And remember: You are not alone.

Almost daily – on weekday mornings – I share a positive thought, or a quote – alongside a song from my playlist, and sometimes an anecdote, on Facebook.

My morning posts are benign. They are authentically me, as I share my thoughts and feelings in the moment, as I post. I do get comments on my daily posts – as others may find the simple everyday happenings and perspectives relatable. And I appreciate that my thoughts and words resonate.

I try to infuse positivity into my day, and I hope that it might have an encouraging effect for others, as well.

It is true, I believe – that seemingly small or inconsequential things can have a notable and lasting influence upon our ability and motivation to adjust our mindset.

Through time, and experience, life evolves, as it is meant to. Thinking positively, and maintaining an optimistic mindset, can certainly be a challenge. And at times, it may seem a near impossibility.

Life’s challenges can be a catalyst for optimism.

Sources

https://www.verywellmind.com/benefits-of-positive-thinking-2794767 . Benefits of Positive Thinking for Body and Mind. December 10, 2024.

https://www.healthline.com/health/how-to-think-positive#tips. How to Think Positive and Have an Optimistic Outlook: 8 Tips. December 10, 2024.

https://www.businessinsider.com/guides/health/mental-health/how-to-think-positive. How to Think Positive: 7 Science-Backed Tips. December 10, 2024.