The power of positive thinking has become so mundane that we don’t even think about what it really means. Some motivational speakers, pastors, and authors believe that you can change your circumstances by changing your attitude – and I don’t disagree.
My problem comes in when it is taken to the extreme and people, especially women, are encouraged to stuff their feelings, emotions, and struggles down inside and go on as if everything is fine. You know, put on a happy face.
This isn’t a bad idea when you are having a hormonal day and your teenager lets you know that you are terribly uncool, but when you are going through a highly stressful time in your life I don’t think that putting on a positive attitude when you don’t feel it is always a good idea. There are just sometimes that women need to vent in order to work through it.
At the same time, if you find yourself in one of those seasons of “Why bother?†and the despondency doesn’t lift after a few days, putting on a positive attitude may be one way to talk yourself off the emotional ledge. Taking control of your emotions can change your perception and have you looking at your life with a more realistic eye.
When you are positive other people will treat you in a more positive way, which in turn feeds your positive outlook.
Don’t dismiss your feelings, but don’t let the negative mental chatter go on so long that it becomes a belief system. Talk to someone, listen to some good music, put on some makeup, and smile.
What are some things you do to maintain a positive attitude during times of discouragement?
photo credit: Victor 1558
