Today's entry for this week's theme is positive versus negative. I don't know about you, but I prefer being around a positive person rather than a negative one. There is something special, kind of uplifting about a person who tends to look on the brighter side of negative situations. When these individuals run into a problem, instead of complaining and trying to blame it all on someone or something else, they study the situation, and they look at it as an opportunity to learn. They are willing to accept the challenge of looking at the situation from a different perspective, and then they look for ways to turn the negative situation into a positive one. On the other hand, the negative person tends to feed off the negative energy, and matters only become worse. It's like throwing gas on a fire. They refuse to see anything positive in the situation at all. The negative individual appears to have this tremendous dark storm cloud hovering over their head all the time, and the expectation appears to be, if I must feel this bad, then everyone deserves to feel the same way I do. Your day might start out perfect, but if you are around a negative person and you find yourself exposed to their negative energy long enough, your day is going to go down the drain fast. They will suck the energy right out of you. The reality is, it's a choice. I sometimes find myself being more negative than I'd like, and when I recognize that "negative" charge, it's up to me to change my perspective. I need to make an intentional choice, and put forth the concerted effort to look for something good in what I am facing. We all know there will be situations where it will appear impossible to see anything positive, but even then, if we make the choice to find someone to talk to, a friend or loved one, willing to walk with us as we struggle through the situation, their support and encouragement may help us to refocus our perspective. The positive will eventually come to light. I hope you have a wonderful night and a great weekend.
I work for one of those negative people -- negative about everything - -and it's all I can do to keep going some days. I'm a "sunshine and rainbows" kind of person, seeing beauty everywhere -- so it drains my soul. I really relate to your words.....!! Tonight is one of those nights that it's all i can do to recharge my own batteries...! Great shot!!
AMEN! Clever idea for your thoughts. I like it in black and white too. I agree with you. It's so easy to get bogged down with sadness. I don't understand those who like the drama myself. I keep telling my kids, when you wake up every morning, you have the choice to be happy or sad. Which will you choose today? Most of the time, that works for me. :)
Nice theme shot! I don't think anyone really likes the drama of sadness...I think it just happens sometimes when people have so many negative things happen in their life. It isn't always a choice...choice sounds good on paper but your heart and mind may say different some days. Be kind to those who suffer with depression...it is painful. @cfitzgerald see comments on Rick's photo
@marytj Mary, I am not referring to those sufferring from depression, rather those who choose to live on the negative side of life. Much different from the individual suffereing from depression. Depression is a serious illness, and to this day so grossly misunderstood. I have worked mental health for many years, and have been a strong supporter of those sufferring from this type of illness,and yes it is painful. I can also say from personal experience, even in some of my darkest hours, as painful and hopeless as the situations seemed, I still had to make a choice. I had to choose between fighting or giving in. For the person who's make-up is negative, it is a choice.
@digitalrn -- thank you for your words! i'm a citizen of the SSRI nation -- sometimes I have felt like I should just stay away from people because I don't want to be a drain to anyone. But it is up to me to change that so others don't pick up the negative vibe.
Great theme shot! For me as far as possible, I always do my best to channel negative energy into a positive output. Always thank God for every little things because everything happens for a reason. =)
@kchuk Dealing with these issues can be a very frustrating struggle for the person, especially on a personal level. I think it's something the person is always aware of, and unfortunately one of the common ways to cope with it is to stay away from people, to withdraw, and that is sometimes the worst thing one could do. The right kind of people can be extremely beneficial, because they can help the individual stay focused, they can offer encouragement and support. When you look at the different types of depression, situational, seasonal, and clinical, each one has to be addressed from a different perspective. Clinical would probably be the more difficult challenge, because it seems to be the result of your body's chemical make-up, and sometimes trying to find that proper balance can be quite frustrating.
Well written, Rick. No matter how difficult our lives can be if we look for one thing everyday to be thankful for we will find ourselves looking for the positive. It may not have anything to do with the difficult situation at all but a reminder there are things in our lives that have meaning and bring a positive moments into our lives.
That reminds me ..how is your writing project coming along because you do write very well !! always something interesting to say & photo not bad either !!
@happypat Pat, thanks for asking. I am set up in the basement, and each night I try to write a little something. I am also doing a lot of organizing of old material.
Fabulous theme shot, Rick and I love your commentary. Long ago, i decided that when I wake up every day I can choose to be happy. I agree is it a choice, and I choose positive. Glad to hear your writing project is going well!
The entry is excellent. and I must say I love reading the story/verses accompianying your pictures. once can learn so much listening to you.and this particularly subject has come up a few times now here on 365.
A great picture to capture our attention and illustrate the theme. I have heard people of different temperaments called Tiggers and Eeyores, from the characters in Winnie the Pooh. Eeyores can definitely bring you down!
Spot on with the caption, Rick. There's always another perspective. I rather like this old quote on the subject, 'An optimist is a fellow who believes a housefly is looking for a way to get out. '
