Staying Positive In All of the Negative

[livingsublimewellness]

I had another email sent to me from a nurse responding to one of my articles. Her comments struck me; “I try to push out negative thoughts instead of letting them fester – that’s hard. I find I am sucked into conversations with coworkers about our negative experiences and I try to tell them ‘Let’s replace these discussions with the good, positive ones instead’.”

Do you ever struggle with this? You are doing your best to be upbeat but someone at work is always trying to drag you down. A nasty comment here, some gossip there, and before you know it you are roped into an all out complaint session!

Since I’ve started on my journey of healing, at times, I feel like an outsider looking in on the “cool” group. I feel as if I am strange or weird. I’ve been through many life changes. I quit my job and began working with topics I was more passionate about. I re-found exercise and healthy eating. I practice stress reduction techniques. I am happier and healthier than I have been in a long while; and my thoughts and feelings reflect that! However, it is not always easy. At times I feel very alone.

One afternoon I was hosting a barbecue/meeting for my Nurse Practice committee. Co-workers were outside on my patio while I was in and out preparing food, making sure things went smoothly. I noticed when I sat down with them I started to feel fed up and irritable. They were constantly complaining, gossiping, and talking negatively. They were going on and on about everything that was wrong with our unit. I couldn’t stand it. I then realized amidst my life changes and my progression towards healing; I was leaving behind those who were still where I used to be.

This happens often. I notice the scowls on people’s faces, bad moods, and negative energy. I hear the complaints, gossip, and groaning. I wonder, “Is it really that bad out there?” My answer is, and continues to be, NO. There is so much beauty in the world. Nature is an awesome and amazing gift. Children play and babies laugh and smile. Volunteers and service people give of themselves unconditionally. We are fortunate to have what we have and should reflect on this every day. We should be grateful for our blessings and keep our minds upbeat and positive. Easier said than done; right?

Here are some things I try to keep my mind in a world of positive:
• Breathe: When I am around negative people I take a moment to focus and breathe. I clear my mind and body. Fresh air will slow you down and replenish your cells. I exhale out all the negativity as I exhale your breath.
• Say Something: This is tricky and takes practice. When I find myself around a lot of negativity and gossip I try to shift the conversation by speaking up. I may mention an objective observation; “My, we sure are complaining a lot today. Let’s see if we can focus on each other’s strengths for a few minutes.”
• Repeat An Affirmation: When I am unable to speak up or remove yourself from the situation; I bring a mantra to mind. Try something like, “I am confident in the goodness of life to see me through.”
• Learn From the Group: I know that each experience I have in life I am meant to have. Each part of my journey only makes me stronger. Each conversation or group is teaching me something. Maybe they are teaching me patience!
• Change the Scenery: I have found it is helpful to find a new group to be around. Sure, those people you work with or have known all of your life will always be there. But join a club, volunteer group, or work association where people are involved in things you like to do, who are positive people, and who are on their own healing journey.

[kraken90]

It's like the Philippine's slogan this 2012.. It's more fun in the Philippines..
it's about our attitude that whatever bad things we encounter, we still manage to find something to smile about..it's more like a "if life gives you lemons, we make lemonades"..

[livingsublimewellness]

Yes, very true. We can make the best of every single situation. Thanks kraken90! Have a great day

[MissMelissRoths03]

I had another email sent to me from a nurse responding to one of my articles. Her comments struck me; “I try to push out negative thoughts instead of letting them fester – that’s hard. I find I am sucked into conversations with coworkers about our negative experiences and I try to tell them ‘Let’s replace these discussions with the good, positive ones instead’.”

I've heard quotes similar to this one. It is a common practice in yoga and meditation to try to push negative thoughts out with a breath and bring in peaceful, happy thoughts. I truly believe that your attitude is what you make it. I have had several friends who see the glass half empty, and I find it sad that people go through life that way - don't you? Any pessimists out there that are annoyed by us who try to see the light in every situation?

[livingsublimewellness]

MissMelissRoths03; I definitely agree with what you are saying. I too have friends, mostly family, who see things in a negative way all of the time. It is difficult to be around them and it tests my patience. But I breathe, exhale, remind myself I choose my mindset, and continue on. It is great to know there is another positive person out there! Thanks for reading and commenting. Keep up the positive attitude!! It will ripple effect...

[NurseVentures]

Great book called Manisfesting Changes by Mike Dooley. I know you will like (love) it.
Key is to envision joy, love, abundance in your life now and the universe will provide.

Nursing unit may not be your domain of operation!!!

[livingsublimewellness]

Thank you NurseVentures for the book idea! I will look into it!!

[Supsties]

I suggest that you dont worry. Just live your life to the fullest and there you will be positive.If you dont worry,good things just come to you unexpected.

[GitanoRN]

I read the book "Manifesting Change" by Mike Dooley and he states and I quote “There are no hidden agendas for your time in space. No tests, no destinies, and no judgment. Manifesting change could not possibly be any easier than defining what you want, in terms of its end result, and then simply and physically moving in its general direction.” Undoubtedly, I would say you have to believe in yourself foremost, in order to obtain your goals.

[livingsublimewellness]

Supsties... Agreed! And very well said; to the point and no nonsense. I like it! Thanks for stopping by and commenting!

[livingsublimewellness]

GitanoRN: I agree 100%. Know what you want, set that intention, and go for it! And value comes from within... you have to value yourself and what is inside to be able to succeeed... always looking outside for acceptance is not going to get you anywhere, but stressed! Thanks for the quote and your thoughts!! Take care, Liz

[JANE20-20]

I feel the same way...I live positively...the glass is always half full with me.....I don't socialize of of the job with co-workers....it's healthier for me not to....simply because the majority of healthcare is probably 80-85% females....the hospitals, rehabs,and long-term care facilites etc....are like Payton Place....full of pettiness,jealousy,malicious rumors and gossip, created and perpetuated by other negative and very unhappy females....I have learned this just listening quietly......so I go to work and concern myself with the issues for that day concerning patients/residents and their needs....I stay away from the co-wokers and all of the negativity ....peacefully...but in my experience...people have become unhappy with my way of working...and then they start doing....or not doing things that they were supposed to do or not do referring to nursing duties, just to try and get me to react....or caught up in job related situations.....because I am peaceful and not apart of their confusion....and I do believe in it's not the situation....but it's about how one reacts to the situation.....even when it cost me my job...simply because of untruths that were told.....

I continue to move on in a positive way....even though these things have been said or done....I believe that every experience comes along to teach us something..... not only about that paticular situation or the people or personalities involved....but it's really about learning about self....so I do examine...or look at my job...did I do everything?how can I change this or that?there is more paper work added on,how can I squeeze that in??...if I get their earlier I can do all of my vital signs first and get in my skin assessments as I go,and also do my TX's at the same time.....of which I did do....so...when I think about who I am as a nurse, and what I believe and a mother....I know that I do what I am supposed to do...not that I'm perfect because none of us are....this is why we are all here on this earth...

I do know that in reconizing all of the beauty in life and being greatful for all of it..of which I am...I realise that there are serious issuses that need to be addressed...and are not going to go away because I see the beauty in nature....these issuses arise some of them because everyone is not on the same page with being positive and working for a better tomorrow...in peace....

So....what I do is make sure that I have my outside interest where I can express myself creatively....where I can get quiet, .....shut the world out .....

and hear myself think....

it brings me alot of peace......

[JANE20-20]

So...what I'm saying really is....keep going...and you may have to change the people that you are surrounding yourself with...because if you have grown emotionally....and they haven't....it's going to work against you...you probably need to be with people who are moving in the same direction that you're going in.....

[webdesign24]

You showed a good character that able to turn negative vibes into positive. Keep it up!

[livingsublimewellness]

Thank you webdesign24!