The Power of Positive Thinking in 2011

We are bombarded by negative messages and toxic language from our clients, television, radio, newsprint, the internet, friends and some family members on a daily basis. With all the negativity that abound, how can we stay positive? Is it even possible? Even if we strive to keep a positive outlook, are we just seeing the world through the proverbial rose coloured glasses?

The world can be a cruel place. There is crime, murder, unhappiness and disease. The world can also be a wonderful place. There is love, compassion, companionship and joy. Both scenarios exist and will affect us in our lives. However, which do we want to have as the prominent emphasis in our lives?

Quite honestly, attitude is a major factor. The difference between optimism and pessimism. Is the glass half-full or half-empty? I cannot tell you that it is easy to remain positive at all times. Some disciplines of the metaphysical thought seem to suggest that if we are truly enlightened and spiritual persons, we will and are able to welcome all events to our lives, viewing them as positive. In other words, a learning experience. Intellectually, that can be easy to grasp. But what happens when'learning experience' hits home and comes crashing into our lives?

We might be studying and moving forward on an enlightened spiritual path. However, the majority of us still maintain ordinary everyday lives. We may be on the right path, perhaps busy minding our own business. When a major negative happens, perhaps the loss of an important case, client, relationship or close friend, death of a loved one or being victimized by a crime such as rape or murder, being 'enlightened' is difficult. It is not easy to view those experiences as just another learning experience. How do you maintain a perfect positive outlook at a time like that? We are human. Negative things, such as gunshot wounds to the head will probably happen to us at some point, such as the beautiful U.S. Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords in Arizona yesterday. We sincerely pray that she recovers.

In the same token, positive things can and will happen to us at some point as well. Therefore it is essential that in our dealings with our friends, family and loved ones, we exhibit the following: charm, positiveness, humour, stability, strength, momentum, honesty, genuineness, wit, intelligence, thoughtfulness and trust.

Please be civil. It does not hurt to say good things and use positive language. Avoid foul language, arrogance, bitterness, rudeness, anger, negative thinking, over-sensitivity, low self-esteem, off-putting comments and above all, complaining and whining.

May the sum of any negatives always be outweighed by all the positives in our lives. A positive person will strive to emphasise the good and those positives. It is back to Attitude and what we allow to be the major emphasis in our lives. By having a positive outlook, we are not ignoring reality or denying our emotions. When we hurt or are unhappy with events, we should allow ourselves to admit it. Negativity is being caught and trapped in a rut and dwelling on those hurts. Being positive means allowing us that time to heal and then moving forward.

Georgette Dede Djaba is a solicitor of the Supreme Court of England and Wales. She is a public speaker, mentor, mediator and motivator. Email: [email protected]