Thursday 13: Dealing With Negativity

I've mentioned it before but I'm so tired of all the negativity going on in the world today. Lately it seems there are more and more negative thoughts, attitudes, news stories, and social media posts out there. Maybe they have always been there and I have just been immune to them. I'm not talking about the occasional post where someone has had a bad day, I understand those happen and it's okay to vent from time to time (I know this all too well). I'm talking about straight up negative talk ALL OF THE TIME. There are ways to have opinions and not tear down the people who disagree with you. There are ways to be happy for your friend even if it's something you don't care about. There is good out there in the world, if you look hard enough, you will find it.

I try to be a positive and happy person but when I'm around negative attitudes for too long, I find myself taking the negative route as well. I have found some ways that help me escape that negativity when it starts to bring me down.

13 Things I Do When Life Starts to Be Negative For Me

1. I listen to music. Lately I've rediscovered my appreciation for classical music. Amazon Prime has some great classical playlists and I listen to many of those. Third Day is one of my favorite Christian bands. When I feel life is just too overwhelming, I usually listen to their playlist on my phone. All of their songs have a great message.

2. I write. Since I have a blog, it's obvious that I like to write, it's definitely therapeutic for me. I'm trying to write a novel (maybe a novella, I'm not sure how long it will be). If I need a break from the world, I take myself into a world that I've created.

3. I surround myself with friends. When I'm having a bad day at work and feel myself getting agitated, I have a handful of friends I can text or call and I know they will meet me for a quick lunch. Just an hour away from the stress of work can do so much good (and getting hugs also help!)

My awesome friend Bob met me for lunch today!

4. I call my mom. Sometimes just talking to my momma is enough to make the bad world not seem as horrible.

I found some old pictures of my mom over Christmas, I compared pictures of the two of us to see how much I looked like her! :)

5. I treat myself to a Chick Fil-A milkshake. Okay, so life doesn't have to be negative for me to do this, but a milkshake does indeed cheer me up when I'm feeling down.

6. I get rid of things that are cluttering my life. This is usually material things, but sometimes it means unfollowing someone on social media who is bringing NOTHING but negativity into my life. 

7. I read. When I don't feel like writing, I let another writer take me into the world that they have created. Shameless plug, follow me on GoodReads to see all that I've read (or want to read).

8. I remind myself of everything that I do have. We all fall victim to the "woe is me" syndrome (I'm not pointing fingers, I'm so guilty of this). I don't have a nice car. I don't have enough time off work. I don't have enough time by myself (these are just examples, these aren't my personal thoughts). Remember there is always someone out there who would want your life. Don't like your car? There are some people out there who would love to have ANY car. Having a bad day at work? There are many unemployed people who would LOVE to have a bad day AT WORK. Tired of your spouse constantly hogging the television? There is a single person out there who would love to have your life.

9. I text my friends. Sometimes even a short text conversation with a friend is enough to make my day brighter.

10. I go for a walk or jog (light jog- I have bad knees and can't jog too fast). Sometimes just being outside helps clear my head. 

11. I watch reruns of The Dick Van Dyke Show (are you really surprised)? I can't help it, the man makes me laugh. It's practically impossible for me not to be in a good mood while watching one of his shows.

12. I work on crafts. I scrapbook, cross stitch, and am trying to teach myself to knit. Sometimes focusing on things like that helps me escape the world.

13. I pray. I know, that is such a "Sunday School" response, but it's true. It's not my job to fix everything bad going on. It's not my job to even understand why bad things happen. It's my job to know He's in control. I feel people hear that I pray and expect that it's the sweet "Now I lay me down to sleep" prayer. My prayers aren't always like that. Sometimes I get mad. Sometimes I yell (yes, I yell at God, He can handle it). Sometimes I cry. Sometimes I'm at a loss for words (yes, that does happen with me- don't be shocked). He can handle whatever kind of prayer I send up to Him.

XOXO!