They say that happiness starts in the mind, and that is no exaggeration.
Of course, there are serious circumstances that you can't put a happy face on (e.g., news of an illness), but this technique still works for a wide range of situations in which a simple change in one's outlook can radically improve their day.
For example, many people fret over aging and reminisce about the "good old days." Instead of dwelling on the past, though, why not think that your best days are actually ahead of you?
Think about it: The younger version of yourself that you visualize was probably more naive and inexperienced. Chances are you were not as financially secure and had not the faintest idea what you wanted to do with your life.
So, in reality, you're in a better place now -- wiser and with a firmer handle on your goals and aspirations.
Notice how easy it is to flip a negative thought on its head?
As I've noted in several posts, people would be a lot happier with their lives if they paid more attention to what they have rather than lament what they don't have.
As soon as the urge strikes to complain that they don't have as fancy a car as their neighbor or coworker, they should consider how many people have to walk or take the bus to work every day because they can't even afford to buy a car.
In a similar vein, you're less likely to detest your job when you think about all the unemployed people in the world who would give anything to be in your shoes.
We may also perceive our relationship with our significant other as being on thin ice until we realize that many of our friends and relatives have it far worse in theirs. It seems like we hear of a different couple splitting up or getting divorced every month.
The key to adopting a more positive mindset is to ingrain in your mind that although your life is far from perfect, it could be worse. Just look around. You'll see that people in your own circle are fighting battles you're probably glad you don't have to deal with.
By practicing mindfulness (living in the present), being grateful for all you have, and staying focused on the pros rather than the cons in a given situation, you're much more likely to feel content in your life.
Again, this won't work in any and all scenarios, but it's a step in the right direction nonetheless.
Without a doubt, ridding yourself of negativity rather than allowing it to fester and consume you is paramount. What's the best way to do this? By converting negatively-charged thoughts into positively-charged ones.
Here's to seeing the glass as half full!
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