Previously, during a life that feels quite distant but is, in fact, only a matter of months ago, I used to wake up basically when I felt like it. Let me just mention that, from experience, that is a very unhealthy and even less productive way to live. I started the habit of trying to get out of bed by 8:30am every morning, which was also difficult, especially since I often put myself into bed way past midnight quite a few nights.
Those habits have dropped; I'm generally in bed in midnight or slightly later and, regardless (irregardless?) of the time I go to bed, I've quite quickly adapted the natural habit of waking up around 7am. This particular morning, despite having slept on 5 hours, I was up at about 6:30am. Physically I feel a bit sleepy but I am feeling alert right now. Having a sense of purpose, or having things that you actually WANT to get done that day, are extremely powerful motivators. So, I woke up, bright eyed and bushy tailed, ready to start the day, only to read some serious naysaying in regards to a particularly positive message I left on facebook the other day.
On a personal level, it's not exactly easy but it is pretty simple to get rid of negativity in your life: stop hanging out with negative people, or at least do all you can to avoid them.
The internet is a little trickier though. It's a vast network that often has the potential to become even vaster (is that a word? It feels like it should be, but I think "more vast" may be the appropriate expression). I'm watching as one connection easily becomes another one, or another two... even another half dozen. And right now that's what I need.
I am enthusiastic and positive about life. I'm ambitious and I want to inspire. I think the world could use more people like me, but if I don't keep in a positive mind, I won't succeed. If I don't succeed, there's not much I can offer. So my positive mindset is important to me. No, I'm not going to give up because of one naysayer, no matter how well researched, intelligent and/or well-spoken he or she may be. But it certainly makes my very very long and ardous journey a lot easier if I am surrounded by like-minded (read: positive and enthusiastic) people.
In any case, I find it really intriguing when people's comments go something like "The world is a mess, governments are collapsing, the economy is going to shit... what, naysaying you say? Me? No, I'm not naysaying, just making some observations." Yes, very constructive, sir, we're all so much better for having been exposed to your cynicism disguised as "observations."
To me, there are only three decisions ever, about anything. The basest of them is complaining. I hate this, I hate that. The trail ends there, but the buck gets passed elsewhere. This decision is the lowest form because it's damaging. It's helplessness, victimhood, powerlessness and negative all balled up in a nice, neat, easy to digest package and it spreads. It's a contagion, and it gets passed on to you with a weak shrug and a pathetic "What, it's not MY fault!" I don't need your sickness, thank you, keep it to yourself.
The second tier is acceptance. This is a fantastic tier, though. It's the ability to look at the world and all its imperfections - because no matter how badly you want it or what you do, there will be imperfections in the world - and still tolerate, if not even love it. It's the understanding that while you have power, you do not have omnipotence... but that's ok. This frees up so much energy, and also opens minds.
The highest tier is change; the desire and the actualization of creating change, whether direct or indirect. Hate our government? Stop bitching and start doing something, whether it's creating an organization to educate people or actually running for office yourself. Whatever it is, I don't care if I agree with it, I'm behind it because you are actually creating something you believe in. Most people don't have the guts or fortitude to do that, and I commend you. Think the economy is terrible and we're creating more poverty and war than ever before? Quite lecturing me about it and whining about it and start educating me; write a book, create a website, set up a weekly meeting and invite me to it. DO SOMETHING.
Otherwise, shut up.
Thanks.
Those habits have dropped; I'm generally in bed in midnight or slightly later and, regardless (irregardless?) of the time I go to bed, I've quite quickly adapted the natural habit of waking up around 7am. This particular morning, despite having slept on 5 hours, I was up at about 6:30am. Physically I feel a bit sleepy but I am feeling alert right now. Having a sense of purpose, or having things that you actually WANT to get done that day, are extremely powerful motivators. So, I woke up, bright eyed and bushy tailed, ready to start the day, only to read some serious naysaying in regards to a particularly positive message I left on facebook the other day.
On a personal level, it's not exactly easy but it is pretty simple to get rid of negativity in your life: stop hanging out with negative people, or at least do all you can to avoid them.
The internet is a little trickier though. It's a vast network that often has the potential to become even vaster (is that a word? It feels like it should be, but I think "more vast" may be the appropriate expression). I'm watching as one connection easily becomes another one, or another two... even another half dozen. And right now that's what I need.
I am enthusiastic and positive about life. I'm ambitious and I want to inspire. I think the world could use more people like me, but if I don't keep in a positive mind, I won't succeed. If I don't succeed, there's not much I can offer. So my positive mindset is important to me. No, I'm not going to give up because of one naysayer, no matter how well researched, intelligent and/or well-spoken he or she may be. But it certainly makes my very very long and ardous journey a lot easier if I am surrounded by like-minded (read: positive and enthusiastic) people.
In any case, I find it really intriguing when people's comments go something like "The world is a mess, governments are collapsing, the economy is going to shit... what, naysaying you say? Me? No, I'm not naysaying, just making some observations." Yes, very constructive, sir, we're all so much better for having been exposed to your cynicism disguised as "observations."
To me, there are only three decisions ever, about anything. The basest of them is complaining. I hate this, I hate that. The trail ends there, but the buck gets passed elsewhere. This decision is the lowest form because it's damaging. It's helplessness, victimhood, powerlessness and negative all balled up in a nice, neat, easy to digest package and it spreads. It's a contagion, and it gets passed on to you with a weak shrug and a pathetic "What, it's not MY fault!" I don't need your sickness, thank you, keep it to yourself.
The second tier is acceptance. This is a fantastic tier, though. It's the ability to look at the world and all its imperfections - because no matter how badly you want it or what you do, there will be imperfections in the world - and still tolerate, if not even love it. It's the understanding that while you have power, you do not have omnipotence... but that's ok. This frees up so much energy, and also opens minds.
The highest tier is change; the desire and the actualization of creating change, whether direct or indirect. Hate our government? Stop bitching and start doing something, whether it's creating an organization to educate people or actually running for office yourself. Whatever it is, I don't care if I agree with it, I'm behind it because you are actually creating something you believe in. Most people don't have the guts or fortitude to do that, and I commend you. Think the economy is terrible and we're creating more poverty and war than ever before? Quite lecturing me about it and whining about it and start educating me; write a book, create a website, set up a weekly meeting and invite me to it. DO SOMETHING.
Otherwise, shut up.
Thanks.
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