Trying to find the brighter side?

Question

Can anyone please give me some advice on how to find the brighter side of life? I find that I am becoming a negative person--always taking the good things that happen lightly & becoming depressed over the bad things. Any words of wisdom on what you all do to become a happier person? Thanks!

Answer 1

I deal with this on a daily basis. The trick is to focus on that positive so that your attention is diverted from the negative. I have a lot of difficult things happening in my life right now and believe me, it is hard to find the positive in a sea of negativity.

I have a Postiive Journal I keep with me. I write down anything good that happens in my day--someone smiles at me, I find a parking spot close to the store, the sun is shining, someone gave me a compliment etc. Then when I feeling the negative stuff start creeping into my thoughts, I open the book and read what I wrote. Sometimes it makes me laugh and pulls me up. It sounds kind of hokey, but it does work for me.

I also take it one day at a time. I try not to think about tomorrow until tomorrow comes. It takes practice and doesn't always work, but I kind of have a mantra of "Today I will deal with today." It keeps me centered on the here and now and not on the "what ifs" of life that get me down all the time.

It is a struggle to find the brighter side--but it is there somewhere. You just have to be grateful for today and work hard to remember what is good in your life.

Good luck!

Answer 2

I know what you are going through because i've been there and occasionally I still go through it. You just have to wake up in the morning and realize it's a new day and there are many people out there that love you and care about you because you're a great person. Think about the things that make you the happiest..that always helps me. When you try to remember the good things that are going on in your life, they tend to block out the bad for a while. Another suggestion might be trying something new, like getting a hobby or something along those lines. It'll help take your focus off the negative also. Hope my advice helps!

Answer 3

Well, I suffer from depression so I seem to have a problem with this at times too. A phrase that always seems to help me put things into perspective..and helps me to see what I have rather than what I don't have is this:" I was once feeling low because I didn't have any shoes, then I saw someone who didn't have any feet". You may have heard that before...but everytime I hear it, I have to recheck things. It makes me think that I may not always have it good, but it could sure be a whole lot worse.

Of course, when you are really feeling down and out, it is sometimes hard to think positively. There is one thing that might help you...remember that this is a choice....you can choose to change the thoughts. When I was in therapy for depression, my therapist had me practice one week on reframing my negative thoughts to positive ones. It works...it takes practice to catch yourself so you must be consistent. Good luck to you...good question!

Answer 4

Get up every morning and write down 5-10 blessings that you are thankful for. Start a gratitude journal. Add one each day. Then, find a way to help someone in need. If only for an hour a week. Try a local shelter, nursing home etc. Finally, exercise! It boosts your endorphins and is a proven antidepressant. Go for a morning walk and name all the things and people in your life that you are grateful for while you walk. When we get depressed, we are focusing only on ourselves. We all get blue- but if it is becoming a way of life- then you have to find some ways to snap out of it. You obviously know better b/c you are able to recognize it. Count your blessings and then go bless someone else!

Answer 5

I am sorry for the responses you have gotten so far, people can be so cruel on yahoo answers. depression is one of the most misunderstood diseases. from what you are describing it sounds like you can't help it. Perhaps you are in a rut? Perhaps a lot of bad things have happenned to you are you just may be the 1/2 empty kind of person. I suffer from depression, so for me, I need medication. Maybe you could see a counselor/psychologist and have a few sessions so they can see of this can be worked out with talk therapy or what. Of course exercise, sunshine and hanging out with the right kind of people are always recommended. You take care OK?

Answer 6

You have to realize that you can control your attitude. In fact, it may be the only thing you can control. Life throws good stuff and bad stuff at you. You have to decide that you want to see the good stuff as "real" and the bad stuff as a temporary glitch that you have to deal with so you can get back to the good. As part of this, do not allow yourself to anticipate bad stuff happening. I used to think it was sensible to plan for all the things that could go wrong, but it kept me focused on the negative, and kept me depressed. When something bad happened, I saw it as a fulfillment of what I had been anticipating, but it was like a self-fulfilling prophecy. I learned to turn that around. Plan and focus on all the good stuff that could happen, and embrace it when it does. Have the confidence that you can deal with the bad stuff, but don't give it any mental energy until it happens, then just deal with it. Think of it like a wave. Keep your eye on the crest of waves. You'll dip down, but come back up again. So keep your head up and ride the top of the waves!

This may sound simple, but learning to do this was how I cured myself of chronic depression 20 years ago. I believe our minds have a lot of power.

Answer 7

It sounds like you might have clinical depression or some other condition. I know that because I do. The first thing you need to do is to go to your primary care physician and tell him how you feel. Get a check-up to rule out physical ailments & then follow through with other treatments such as counseling. That can, and will, give you the tools you need to deal with life & come to see it as something to be enjoyed instead of endured.

Until you can get that accomplished, just breathe & close your eyes for a second. Find one beautiful memory, one place in time that you feel good and safe....happy. Allow that feeling to invade your entire body & then open your eyes while holding onto that sensation with all your might.

Answer 8

whenever you think your life sucks think about other people, people who live with no food or shelter or those who can't feel safe in their homes then your problem will seem so smaller

don't be negative about what people do, for example if a friend of yours forgot to give you a call don't think that she don't like you anymore, she might be busy.

depression comes from staying home all the time, try going outside for a walk, go to the park or a supermarket...etc, also when you are at home open the windows to let fresh air inside.

by the way, EATING IS NOT THE SOUTION, don't think eating too much will make you happy

Answer 9

I find reading books about positive thinking helps me to be a happy person. Sometimes we have to make some changes in the way we think because we are what we think about all day long. Here are a few good books:

Joseph Murphy - The Power of Your Subconscious Mind

Susan Shumsky - Miracle Prayer

Dr. Wayne W. Dyer - You'll See It When You Believe It

Answer 10

Laugh. I know it sounds cheesy, but laughter will brighten your day, and make you feel lighter inside. Go to a comedy club, if you can, or rent a funny movie.

Then go buy a self help book on creating a positive attitude for life and you will find some helpful tools to learn how to do it all the time!