Overwhelming, isn’t it?
Try to stay positive when struggling to get out of bed every day…
A sense of hopelessness and a lack of motivation can make even the simplest tasks seem impossible.
The desire for normalcy can seem out of reach. The constant negative thoughts and emotions can lead to a downward spiral, affecting not only the ability to get out of bed but also the ability to function in everyday life.
All you want to be is normal. To stay positive and live without the huge emotions and downward spirals.
In addition, a diagnosis of depression and borderline personality disorder can make the struggle even more challenging.
Part of what makes depression so, well, depressing, is the crushing weight of pessimism holding your head under water.
Pessimism is a state of mind that causes individuals to expect the worst possible outcome in every situation. When a person is in a pessimistic state of mind, they tend to focus on negative aspects of a situation, and this can lead to feelings of hopelessness, despair, and discouragement.
On the flip side, Living an optimistic life means looking at the world through a positive lens, even in the face of challenges and adversity. Optimistic individuals tend to focus on the good in life and approach situations with a can-do attitude. They believe that they have the ability to make positive changes and achieve their goals, even if it takes hard work and persistence.
Were you raised to be an optimist or pessimist?
My Experience
I was raised as optimist. I see the positive aspects of a situation and sees difficulties as opportunities for growth and improvement.
During my teenage years, life was difficult for me as I was slightly nerdy and completely gawky. I had to deal with a lot of cruelty from my classmates, which made those years particularly painful. It was shocking to see how negative and unkind people could be.
My mother, a textbook optimist, trotted out the usual lines:
“It’s not you; it’s them.”
“They’re just jealous.”
“It’ll get better. Just wait.”
It didn’t get better. It got progressively worse as I entered early adulthood. I hid behind alcohol and drugs to numb the pain of feeling.
Eventually, life overwhelmed me, and it was time to end it.
The answer, which is both amusing and sad, is the movie Groundhog Day. It made me realize the horror of waking up every day to a perpetual cycle of anger, hurt, and pain.
Fast-forward a year, I was, however, something else:
Pregnant.
I received some sage advice from a therapist who suggested that my depression was a result of my life choices and environment, rather than chemical imbalances. According to them, fixing my choices and environment would ultimately help me overcome my depression.
Either I would fix my depression and be completely “cured,” or my depression would quickly get worse.
If the latter occurred, it was unlikely I’d be able to care for my child.
I Had A Choice To Make To Stay Positive
I had a choice to make: Let life lead me, or lead my life.
Had my parents been pessimists and anticipated the worst outcome, I wouldn’t have been here today. If my parents had a negative outlook and given up on me, I would have lost all hope in myself. Thankfully, my parents were optimists who believed in my ability to learn, grow, and recover.
I decided to stay positive not just for myself, but for my child.
1) Practice gratitude
Focusing on the positive aspects of one’s life can increase feelings of happiness and contentment. By regularly practicing gratitude and appreciating the good things in life, one can develop a positive outlook.
2) Stay in the present moment
Dwelling on the past or worrying about the future can lead to negative thoughts and emotions. By staying in the present moment and focusing on the current task or situation, one can experience greater peace and positivity.
3) Cultivate a growth mindset
Embrace challenges and view failures as opportunities for growth and learning. This can help to develop resilience and a positive attitude towards life.
4) Surround yourself with positive people:
Spending time with people who have a positive outlook can be uplifting and inspiring. Seek out supportive friends and mentors who encourage and motivate you.
5) Take care of your physical and mental health
Eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, getting enough sleep, and practicing self-care can boost mood and increase positivity.
“Isn’t that just my luck,” “It would only happen to me,” and, “I just can’t catch a break.” Words that make you a victim also make you a pessimist. Stop using them. They will impact your mental state and cultivate weak and pessimistic mindset.
6) Find meaning and purpose:
Engage in activities that bring a sense of purpose and fulfillment, whether it be volunteering, pursuing a hobby, or working towards a goal.
7) Make someone smile
Doing something kind for someone else can bring a smile to their face and warm their heart.
Give them a compliment, Sharing a funny joke or a witty comment, or as simple as holding the door open for someone, offering to help them with a task, or bringing them a cup of coffee. Pay it forward. (Careful, it’s addicting!)
Living An Optimistic Life Takes Effort
It requires a shift in mindset and daily practices that support a positive outlook. Optimism is not just a state of mind; it’s a way of life that involves choosing to see the good in situations and people, focusing on solutions instead of problems, and maintaining hope for the future.
You can’t just accept life, you have to intentionally live it and stay positive.
Fight For The Good Life, Every Day
You have to make time to for good. Find it in every person, in every situation.
You have to fight for the light at the end of the tunnel.
If I weren’t a fighter, I wouldn’t be here today.
At the end of the day, it’s about believing in the power of good, not bad. It’s about turning off the negativity, whether it flows from your mind, your partner, or your TV.
It’s about saying no to pessimism and yes to optimism.
To stay positive, you can’t let life get in your way.
The fight for the good life is ongoing, but with persistence and determination, you can achieve the life of your dreams.
