Motivational Monday #7: Weed or Wish?

Life can be beautiful. It's all in how you perceive it….

Help The Negativity Nellies

Do you know people in your life who are constantly negative?

Nothing ever goes their way.

They've always "had it worse."

Easily gets overwhelmed by something out of the ordinary.

Overly sensitive to comments/situations.

Their life (in their own opinion) sucks.

I do. And it becomes difficult sometimes to see past their negativity. It becomes very draining to have conversations with these individuals. And when you are looking to change your life, it is very tempting to cut these people out.

But, what happens when you realize that someone VERY close to you is a negative person?

Recently, I have come to understand that for these people in my life, I have to change my expectations for them, rather than cut them out entirely. And, this, my friends, has been a revolution for me. Why, because it is easier to move on...  Way easier....

If you have your wits about you, you should have concluded by this time that negative people are depressed people and NEED PROFESSIONAL HELP. 

However, if you have any sense of reality, then you will also know that people will only get help if they want to get help. Yes, you should always encourage someone in this situation to talk to someone about their negativity and depression.  But, you cannot cut them out if they choose not to seek help.

So what can you do?! Basically, be the better person.

Change your expectations. It doesn't matter if this person is your mother, BFF, husband, etc., you need to understand that they are unable to mentally be a supporting system for you and any issues you have in your life. Don't make yourself angry when you pour your heart out to them, only to hear them say "I've had it worse..." They are unable to see past their own negativity to properly help you through the issue. YOU however, should be able to understand the importance of seeking help professional when you need it.

Help them out of negativity ruts.  Find ways or places where this individual seems to be happy. Maybe it is shopping, or cooking, or going to a movie. You don't have to agree with it or like it, but boosting that person's day means a big deal to them (even though you would never hear a thank you).

Praise them when they are happy. Tricky, I know. It feels fake. But, to that person they need to be positively reinforced.  Tell them something like, "It makes me happy when you have happy days like this." If you are feeling risky... follow it up with, "how can we achieve more happier days?"

See a trend, here?  Yes, you have to be the better person.  You were gifted with stronger coping skills.  YES, it STINKS to always be that person.  But, I really believe that you were gifted to help others.

Motivational Monday #6: Cat Advice

If you ever need advice on how to focus on yourself, just pay attention to a cat!!  

Motivational Monday #5: Planning for "Tomorrow"

Never give up on your goals! NEVER! If you keep working towards your end goal, you will achieve success. "Tomorrow" can be a beautiful place!!!!!

Motivational Monday #4: Do What Makes You Happy

Whatever makes you happy in life - strive for it. Don't worry about what anyone else will think about it!