Hyssop Tree Blog

by Dorathy for Hyssop Tree November 13, 2018

The amount of negativity surrounding this season never ceases to amaze me.  The atmosphere can be so discouraging and deflating, but it doesn’t have to be.  Today I’d like to share three proven ways to make your holiday season positive.

1. Numbers Matter 

Did you know there’s actually a formula for how much positive it takes to neutralize a negative?  That magic number is 3.  It takes three positives to undo the impact of one negative.

    I’ve recently challenged myself for the month of November to respond to every negative with 3 positives.  At the end of every day, I journal my experiences and meditate on how these experiences (good, bad or every-day ones) can have future meaning.  This has really helped keep my focus on the positive, even in the midst of a negative circumstance.

    2. It Requires Intention

    Being positive is kind of like keeping a kitchen clean.  It’s not impossible to have a clean kitchen, but it requires intention, effort and planning.  That may seem a bit daunting, but the payoff is completely worth it.  In a recent article I read, being intentionally positive showed an improvement in physical as well as mental health.  It actually helps the brain become more creative in problem solving and it builds the bank of resiliency to draw from during more difficult times.

      Being positive requires intentionI have found that if I actually write things down, it helps me to stay focused and remember to be intentional.  Each morning, I write and review goals for the day.  It’s easy to do as I sip my first mug of coffee.  Throughout the day, those goals are at the forefront of my mind, even with all the distractions that creep into a busy November day.  I then review them in the evening when I meditate about the positives.  That helps me create new goals for the next day.

      3. Perspective Helps

      It’s so easy to become self-centered.  With the help of social media and other avenues, it’s almost normal to broadcast our own stories to everyone else.  But listening to someone else really helps to bring things into perspective.

        I had a recent encounter with someone in particular who was very negative.  I decided to be intentional about showing her kindness and being positive.  When I asked her to share her story, I learned her husband was starting radiation treatment in 3 days.  My heart broke for her.  She thanked me for taking the time to listen and care.

        It has become very easy to dismiss people.  We like to remain to ourselves.  It takes someone of courage and intention to really stop and listen.

         This holiday season, I’ve committed myself to being intentional about being positive and keeping things in perspective.  I’ve shared a few ways that I have challenged myself to remain positive this season.  I’d love to know what you do to keep the season bright.  Share your thoughts below – I’m looking forward to hearing them!



        Dorathy for Hyssop Tree

        Author

        Dorathy for Hyssop Tree

        Hi, I'm Dorathy! I started Hyssop Tree to connect difference-makers through community. If you're new, welcome! Take a look around and be sure to explore the blog for more interesting articles and the soaps page - where every soap you purchase helps someone in need. Also, I'd like to invite you to join our community - once or twice a month I send out a letter to my pen-pals. Just sign up below!


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