If I’ve learned one thing in my life, it’s that your outlook on life matters more than you think.
I didn’t even notice when I started becoming so negative in life. It happened gradually, slowly creeping in, until one day, my life felt completely consumed by negativity. I found myself drawn to negative news, almost like an addiction, and I would constantly discuss with others all the unfair and unfortunate things happening around us.
Suddenly, everything seemed dark, and there didn’t seem to be a way out. Or was there?
What if I just wasn’t seeing the way out?
The heavy burden of negative outlook on life
Negativity is nothing but a weight on my shoulders, I recently realized. And not just mine. I didn’t even notice that I was unloading my bad feelings onto my loved ones as well. I would talk with my husband about all the things I thought were wrong with the world and this country we live in and I actually noticed how his face changed, his shoulders sagging, visibly shrinking. That was the impact my words had on someone I loved. Even though it wasn’t intentional, I knew I was making him feel awful.
I would wake up every day energized and by noon I was so overwhelmed by the negativity or by my own “failures” that I just wanted to crawl back into my bed and sleep for the rest of the day. It was exhausting to live like this.
That was the moment I decided to change my outlook on life.
Shifting to a positive mindset is not easy
I’d be lying if I said I just decided one day to think positively and my whole life instantly changed. Unfortunately, that’s not how life works.
The hard truth is that any change is difficult. I had been stuck in negative patterns for years, so I couldn’t expect to shift to the opposite end overnight.
It was the little things that made the difference. I took the tiniest steps and slowly built them up to significantly impact my life. Just as negativity slowly crept into my life, I implemented positivity just as gradually.
Steps I took to change my outlook on life
Firstly, I started talking to myself the way I would to a friend or a loved one. Instead of putting myself down, I began to encourage myself. In the mirror, I focused on the things I loved about myself, like my eyes, rather than searching for flaws.
Walking with my dog became a mindful meditation. I noticed birds, pretty wildflowers, and distant mountains shrouded in fog. I breathed in the crisp air and felt thankful to live in a place with such clean air. When I returned home, I reminded myself how fortunate I am to have a shelter and a loving family.
As an artist and a perfectionist, I always find flaws in my work and feel nothing is ever good enough. This has been, and still is, my biggest challenge. Instead of thinking how horrible my drawing might look, I try to laugh it off and tell myself it doesn’t matter. The next drawing will be better, and the one after that even better. Changing my outlook in this way has made everything feel less stressful.
I’ve allowed myself to be imperfect and not feel awful about it.
You can make anything feel special
I can make a cup of chamomile tea and think nothing of it, just a cup of tea to drink and move on with my day.
Or, I can prepare a cup of warm chamomile tea, savoring its soothing scent and velvet smoothness. Its golden color looks so inviting, and the aroma is delightful.
Notice how two different outlooks on the same cup of tea make a difference. If I incorporate this mindful perspective into my daily life, everything would suddenly feel more special and magical.
Conclusion
I understand that everyone’s life is different, and we all face unique struggles and challenges. I’m not suggesting you ignore them but rather to make the most of what you have in life.
It’s easy to compare your life to others online and feel inadequate. That’s why it’s important to turn off your phone and find the magic within yourself and in the simple, daily moments. Find good and positive in something that matters to you. Even mundane tasks like making dinner can become something special when you focus on it and spend time preparing your meal with love.
My experiment with changing my outlook has brought me a lot of happiness and positivity. I still have a long way to go, but I love the person I’m becoming. I cherish moments like talking to my husband about the funny things our dog did that day and seeing how he laughs and brightens up, or just hugging him and telling him I love him, instead of bombarding him with negative talk.
It’s incredible to me how much our energy affects those around us.
Now that I have a more easy-going energy, people are more willing to approach me, talk to me, or just be around me. So yes, your outlook on life matters more than you think.
Instead of adding more negativity to the world, I decided I wanted to add a little positivity—and I hope you will too.