Crossroads Fitness Blog

When I think of positivity, I think of how important it has become in my life. I have learned that being positive is not the absence of things going wrong, because it doesn’t matter how positive you are, things will still go wrong, be upsetting and cause conflict.

What I have learned is that being positive gives you a different path in which to look at things, other people and life’s events. The more your attitude remains positive during the “not-so-perfect” times, the easier it becomes in your everyday life.

Have you ever noticed that if you go into the grocery store, for example, and you are having a bad day, that it seems like everyone around you is crabby too? Attitudes are contagious.

I was taught from a very young age to be nice to people I came in contact with, even if they were not. My Mom always said, “You don’t know what challenges they may be facing in their life.” I have always remembered that. It helps keep my attitude in check.

How does one go about thinking of positivity? The word YES! This little word is mighty.

Often times we are asked to do something that we may not really have time for, or we don’t know how to do, and we risk failure.

Google’s former executive chairman, Eric Schmidt, said: “Find a way to say yes to things. Say yes to meeting new friends. Say yes to learning a new language, picking up a new sport. Even if it’s a bit edgy, a bit out of your comfort zone, saying yes means you will do something new, meet someone new and make a difference in your life, and likely in others’ lives as well.”

Saying “yes” to do something for ourselves seems to be the hardest. Why is it that we don’t take the time to put ourselves, our health and our happiness first?

I find this is quite true, especially in my life and career of reaching out to others who may not have figured out the importance of being healthy and fit. Not knowing how to exercise can make getting started quite scary, but making it part of your life comes with high rewards.

Using the word “yes” can do so much for us. It becomes an action word. Yes opens up conversation. It can open doors and opportunities. “Yes” takes commitment and work.

The best part is that you get to decide what things and opportunities that you want to take on. Keep in mind that not everything that comes your way is something you want to say “yes” to. For example, don’t say “yes” to things that won’t improve your life and keep you from saying “yes” to the things that really do matter.

Here are some ideas to help stay on track to live a positive life:

• Everyday, practice being grateful for something in your life. It is important to be grateful for not only all the good stuff, big and little, but also the struggles that strengthen us.

• Use positive self-talk. We need to be our own best cheerleaders in life. It starts in the morning, when you first look in the mirror.

• Say something nice. Remember that your attitude is contagious, good or bad.

• Say “YES” to being positive.