How do people who have a positive attitude stay calm without shutting down when around toxic people? This episode explores emotional detachment—staying present without carrying emotions that aren’t yours.
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positive attitude
Be the Sunshine Someone Needs Today
Yesterday’s gloom can linger—unless you choose to become the light that lifts the people around you.
Yesterday it was cloudy, colder than normal, gloomy, and drizzly in San Antonio. The weather kept everyone subdued. People scurried in and out of the supermarket—no time for small talk, no warm smiles, no friendly hello.
Overnight, everything changed. Today the temperature reached a pleasant 76 degrees with sunshine pouring out of a deep blue sky. People waved. They lingered. They were out shopping. Even the intersections felt calmer—no horns, no tension.
What a difference a shift in the weather can make to our attitudes.
But here’s the secret: we don’t need the weather to change before we do.
We can become that change for the people around us.
Bring the sunshine.
Bring the blue sky.
Bring the warmth that awakens hope in everyone who crosses your path.
❓ How do you bring sunshine into someone’s day—even on the gloomy ones?
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Being Optimistic and Having a Positive Attitude are Linked to Good Health
I asked ChatGPT about the relationship of being optimistic and physical health. ChatGPT’s answer? It pays big time to be optimistic and have a positive attitude.
Here’s what ChatGPT said:
Being optimistic and maintaining a positive outlook on life can have a significant impact on physical health.
- Stress Reduction: Optimistic individuals tend to have lower stress levels. Chronic stress can have detrimental effects on physical health, including an increased risk of heart disease, high blood pressure, and weakened immune function. Optimism helps in coping with stress more effectively.
- Improved Immune Function: Some studies suggest that optimism may boost the immune system. A strong immune system is crucial for overall health as it helps the body defend against infections and illnesses.
- Better Cardiovascular Health: Optimism has been associated with a lower risk of cardiovascular diseases. Positive thinking may contribute to healthier behaviors like regular exercise, a balanced diet, and not smoking – all of which are essential for heart health.
- Longevity: Optimistic individuals tend to live longer. A positive outlook on life is associated with a lower risk of early mortality, possibly due to the healthier lifestyle choices and reduced stress levels.
- Pain Management: Optimism can help with pain management. It has been shown to reduce the perception of pain and improve pain tolerance.
- Faster Recovery: Optimistic people often recover more quickly from illnesses and surgeries. Their positive mindset may contribute to a more efficient healing process.
- Healthy Lifestyle Choices: Optimists are more likely to engage in healthy behaviors, such as regular exercise and maintaining a balanced diet. This aligns with your profile, as you mentioned that you are a healthy eater and exercise regularly.
- Psychological Benefits: Optimism can lead to better mental health, reducing the risk of conditions like depression and anxiety, which can, in turn, have physical health implications.
In summary, being optimistic can have various positive effects on physical health by reducing stress, boosting the immune system, promoting healthy behaviors, and contributing to overall well-being.
Thinking Out Loud: Create a New a Positive Reality
Learning to Appreciate. A look at appreciative inquiry. Excerpts are taken from, Appreciative Inquiry Handbook (2003) by David Cooperrider, Diana Whitney, and Jacqueline Stravros.
A fundamental assumption underlying appreciative inquiry is that the language one uses creates one’s reality. Therefore, the emotional meaning of words such as dysfunctional, codependent, and stressed out effect once thinking and acting. This deficit based vocabulary can inhibit the vision for a better and brighter future and limit growth. 17.
Note: I received an email from a friend this morning. My friend used words such as “no escape, no victory, and doomed.” He was using dificit thinking. These words can only exacerbate the stress my friend feels from his work situation. I know his situation and don’t see it the way he sees it. A change in his language would change his attitude toward the challenges he faces. We can easily become stuck with this pattern of thinking. It is counterproductive and puts us in a fight or flight position. If we ask ourselves, “What is happening here? What are the positive alternatives to what is happening here? What opportunities exists in this context? We begin to generate positive alternatives. The more positive questions we ask, the more constructive our language becomes. Instead of building barriers to protect ourselves, we discover ways to work with others to construct a new reality. We’re never condemned to what is. We have the power within ourselves to create a new and more positive reality. What are you waiting for?
Feeling Good Tip of the Day ~ Need a Reason to Have Positive Attitude?
5 Reasons to Begin Each Day with a Positive Attitude
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- Better mental health: A positive attitude can help reduce stress and anxiety levels, leading to better mental health and well-being.
- Improved physical health: Research has shown that a positive attitude is associated with better physical health outcomes, such as lower blood pressure, reduced risk of heart disease, and a stronger immune system.
- Increased resilience: A positive attitude can help people develop resilience, which allows them to bounce back from setbacks and challenges more easily.
- Better relationships: A positive attitude can help people build better relationships with others, as it fosters a sense of openness, compassion, and understanding.
- Increased success: A positive attitude can lead to greater success in life, as it helps people to focus on their goals, stay motivated, and persevere through obstacles. A positive attitude can also help people to develop a growth mindset, which is essential for learning and personal development.
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NOTE: The best way to maintain a positive attitude during the day is to hang out with like minded people. Avoid the naysayers, and negative talking and thinking people. They are the COVID of emotions. You can do this and make a difference with your wonderful life.
Feeling Good ~ Science Says These 5 Things Will Make You Happier
People often think things like money or luxury lead to happiness, but research indicates some healthy life practices may actually be the key. . . . Here are five ways you can boost your happiness on a daily basis.
- Practice Gratitude Daily ~ Expressing gratitude has been shown to do more than improve your mood. People who write down a few positive things about their day are healthier, more energetic, less stressed and anxious and get better sleep. The key is to make this a regular habit and do it with intention.
- Surround Yourself with Positive People ~ If you’re feeling down, reach out to a friend or colleague who generally has a more positive attitude. Our brains have mirror neurons that will literally mimic what the other person is expressing. So when you need a bit of positive infusion, connect with those who share it.
- Do Regular Acts of Kindness ~ Research has shown that spending money on others makes us happier than spending money on ourselves and doing small acts of kindness increases life satisfaction.
- Spend More Time with Family & Friends ~ Having friends can save your life. Low social interaction can be as bad for you as smoking 15 cigarettes a day and is twice as bad for your health as obesity. Even if you’re busy, you can find ways to connect with people you care about. Use your lunch break as an opportunity to call a friend or, if possible, take a walk together. If you’re busy during the week, how about inviting your friend to do some errands together on the weekend?
- Spend Money on Experiences Instead of Things ~ Research shows people report feeling happier when they spend their money on experiences rather than objects. We remember experiences for a longer period of time and our brains can re-live them, making our positive emotions last longer. So instead of that new pair of jeans consider trying a new yoga class or inviting a friend to the movies with you.
Today’s Power Thought ~ Make a Difference
We are products of how we think. When the majority of our thoughts focusing on making a difference, we make a difference. It happens.
Today’s Power Thought ~ Unlock All Possibilities
An open mind unlocks all possibilities. It frees one for unlimited potential. Whereas a closed mind runs on a single track with only a single destination.
Today’s Power Thought ~ Choosing a Different Path
What thoughts dominate your thinking? The thoughts that dominate our thinking lead us along life’s path. If we want to travel a different path, we need to choose a new set of thoughts to dominate our thinking. Choose thoughts that will lead you on a great, noble adventure.
