Originally Posted: Negativity

***When I came back to Chicago nearly 3 years ago for my surgery, I started a blog as one place all family and friends could go to read updates on my health. I then realized it was also a way of promoting awareness. Shortly after that, I started a second blog, for the purpose of sharing my faith. As time went on, I became convicted about something.

It was wrong of me to separate the two, as my faith, Jesus, is the absolute reason for my strength in getting through this. I could not exclude Him from my health blog even if others suggested to do so. Thus, I started talking more about my faith on my main blog. Now, many times, it's more about Him than me, which is where I came up with the current title 'About Me, Not About Me'. This story may be about me, but really it's not about me, it's about Him. That old blog still sits out there no longer being used. So I decided over time I will begin to move those posts from there to here to have everything in one place.

In just beginning to read some of my first posts, I've realized the amount of work God has truly done in me. A lot of times we hate the journey and want to get to our next destination, but it is in that very journey that God molds you into who He created you to be. Enjoy each mile of your own journey and know that God is working through you if you let Him.***

Originally posted: Tuesday, May 28, 2013
Negativity

Lately, I've been noticing how extremely negative people are... and not only negative, but so critical, rude, judgmental, quick to anger. I think I've noticed it now and not before because I used to fall into that group of people. Not to say I don't occasionally show those qualities now but I recognize them and strive not to live in that way. Though I always considered myself a realist- looking at the positive and the negative and what is more likely- others saw me as a pessimist with all of those qualities I just mentioned. The more I give my life to Jesus, the more those negative qualities shed away off of me and I become a better person.

With that said, as I become more positive, I am more aware of how negative this world is. It is hard for me to hear. It is hard to be surrounded by. The comments that others used to say that passed right by me or I would chime into, now affect me. I have to remind myself not to get caught up in that and return to that. I have to remind myself as a Christian it is my job to love and strive to live like Jesus and to call others to do the same.

Why must we all be so negative? I think it's because when you don't have your heart focused on Jesus you get caught up in worldly things. Key word: things. None of the things everyone is complaining about will matter when our judgement day arrives. So why do we care so much about them?

I used to think there was no way I could be an optimist and see everything in a positive light. I felt I was built into the human I was and I couldn't change that, or maybe I could but with years upon years of self reflection and guidance. But then what happened, one day, like a light switch that positive light was turned on. Jesus entered my heart. So for me going from negative to positive was not something I can take recognition for. But what if it is something you can bring on for yourself or at least assist in?

Looking back I think maybe it's not as hard as it seemed. Now all I hear out of people is complaining about politics, complaining about traffic, complaining about gas prices, complaining about needing a new this that everything, complaining about EVERYTHING. Think about all the time that is used up in complaining. What good does complaining do? None. Now if you're going to go out there and do something about it, devote your passion to change for the better- hey go for it. But complaining- not going to change anything. All it's going to do is put you in a worse mood and bring down the people around you. They say there is a study that shows when you live with someone who is depressed the rest of the household is more likely to become depressed. I feel the same about this. Now what if every time you were about to say something negative- as in someone cut you off while driving... instead of complaining about that person and calling them an idiot, what if instead you prayed for them? For what you can physically see, it would do the same good, but there is more power in prayer than in complaining.

Sometimes I think people just like to hear themselves talk. Honestly. But if you have nothing good to say don't say anything at all. Self reflection is powerful. Time to yourself in silence and prayer is powerful. Don't become a mute, but if you aren't going to be a positive contribution because you bring them down, just be silent.

This is not automatic for me to constantly remain positive, so I do things to try to help stay positive. Perhaps something I mention would be of help to you too. First, I start every morning off by thanking God for all of my blessings and for the day ahead and asking Him to help me through it. By going through in your head what you are thankful for its makes you realize how many blessings you really do have and starts your day off bright. As the day goes on, if someone is giving me trouble or others trouble or clearly having trouble within themselves, I pray for them. When people who surround me are being extremely negative with hurtful talk, gossip, lacking the show of a kind heart... I either step in and speak up, or if I feel I can't do that and can remove myself from the situation I do that, and lastly if neither is possible and I'm having a really weak day I close my eyes, pray for them, and think positive thoughts. I'm sure there are other techniques so to speak that I use but I can't think of them right now.

I do want to ask that everyone try to be more positive. At very least it might brighten someone else's day and/or your own day. And at best the power of prayer will send the intention up to God to change the hearts of those who are not filled with His love. So start your morning with thanks, continue your day with praise and good deeds, and end with a prayer for all those you felt conflict from.

Kindness is a ripple effect. I have to believe the same about being positive and any other good quality. If being surrounded by someone who is depressed or negative can do the same for you, I think the opposite is true also. Instead of allowing yourself to fall into darkness, rise and bring them with you into the light... the light of the Lord. Show the love you have the power to give.

Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Philippians 4:8