Choosing a Positive Attitude

Choosing a Positive Attitude

   Every aspect of your life will be better if you choose to have a more positive attitude. Every relationship will be stronger. Every decision will be easier. Every problem will present with it tremendous opportunity. Every bad day will be a little less bad. Every good day will be a little bit better. A positive attitude keeps your mind open. A positive attitude can help keep your blood pressure lower. A positive attitude changes everything. 

    Here’s something else about positive attitudes. Let’s admit this up front: maintaining a positive attitude day in and day out is a mighty big challenge. I’m sure you’ve noticed that we’re surrounded by negativity. The media is packed with negativity. It’s widespread on social media. We hear it from coworkers, friends, family members and even some of our fellow church members. It’s literally everywhere.

    Viktor Frankl, a prisoner in a Nazi concentration camp during World War III said, “Everything can be taken from a person but one thing: the last of the human freedoms—to choose one's attitude in any given set of circumstances, to choose one's own way.” No one can choose your attitude for you. Only you get to choose your attitude each day. Contrary to what some people believe, no one and nothing is able to choose it for you.

   You and I must make a conscious choice everyday, a choice that says “today I’ll be in charge of my attitude and I will not allow anyone or anything to rob me of that precious life changing choice.” Then you need to fight to make it happen. But how? How can you choose to have a positive, Christ-like attitude each day? Let me offer some suggestions. They help me, but honestly, I still lose the fight too often. Here we go:

     1. Focus on what you’re grateful for. Regularly acknowledge and appreciate them. Keep a gratitude journal where you write down what you’re thankful for each day.

    2. Surround yourself with people who uplift, inspire and encourage you. Positive and supportive relationships can have a huge impact on your attitude. Surely you know some people who annoyingly see the bright side of everything. Let them annoy you a little more often because a positive attitude can be more contagious than a negative one if you’re exposed often enough.

     3. Be aware of your thoughts and emotions. When negative thoughts pop up, try to be aware of them and replace them with more positive and constructive ones.

     4. Instead of dwelling on problems, focus your energy on finding solutions. This proactive approach can boost your confidence and create a more positive attitude.

     5. Participate in activities that make you feel joy. It could be hobbies, sports, music, spending time in nature, or other creative pursuits. Regularly participating in those activities can boost your overall mood.

     6. Limit your exposure to negative news, social media, or conversations. Instead, seek more positive and uplifting sources.

     7. Use positive affirmations to reframe your attitude. Tell yourself encouraging statements about your abilities, worth, and potential. If that sounds hokey to you, don’t worry. It absolutely works!

     8. Admit to yourself that failure is a natural part of life. Instead of dwelling on mistakes or setbacks, view them as opportunities to learn and grow. Doing so will help you maintain a positive attitude even during challenging times. Failure is never final unless you decide to make it so.

     9. Laughter is a powerful tool for lifting your spirits. Learn to laugh at yourself and don’t take yourself too seriously. Share laughs with friends. Get involved in activities that make you smile. If you can’t find a single thing to laugh about during your day, do what I do. Find a mirror and have yourself a big ol’ laugh.

     10. Acknowledge your accomplishments, no matter how small they may seem. Celebrate your progress and give yourself credit for your efforts. You’re still trying, you’re still fighting the fight, you’re still on your way to choosing a positive attitude. I can’t think of too many more things more positive than that.

    Oh, one more thing . . . If you’re a regular attender or member of the Mt. Laurel Church of God, consider reading 1 Corinthians 15:1-11 to get ready to hear God’s message through Pastor Dale this coming Sunday, February 9, 2025. Don’t forget: This coming Sunday is Scout Sunday at the Mt. Laurel Church of God!

^{Pastor Dale}

Pastor Dale (PD) and Pamela his wife are honored to serve the Mt. Laurel Church of God. If this Mid-Week Encouragement has helped you, perhaps it may encourage someone else. Feel free to share this message with anyone you choose. And if you'd like to receive PD's Mid-Week Encouragement, just send an email to (kingdomguy@gmail.com) and I'll accommodate your request.