Preventing Pessimism
Nita Jackson

  
Have an attitude of gratitude. 
Being thankful and concentrating on things that a person is grateful for helps to circumvent the pessimistic mind set.  No matter where you're at, one can always find at least one thing to be thankful for.  Try using a gratitude journal and listing at least one thing a day that is a blessing to you.

Hang out with non-pessimists.
The atmosphere you choose to maintain affects your thinking process.  Find a  bird of a different feather to flock together with.  Strive to create an environment that squelches negativity and promotes a less gloomy outlook on life. 

Watch your language. 
We can affect our own feelings simply by what we say.  The old proverb "Out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaks" always the rings true.  It seems that poor talk created in the mind works its way out of the mind, out the mouth, into the ears and finally to the soul.  Be mindful of how  powerful words can be.

Watch for over-commitment.
The fear of saying no or the fear of asking for help often perpetuates a feeling of dread.  Saying "No" will cause few fatalities, and asking for help is a sign of strength not weakness.  No one knows your limits better than you, so don't let others define them for you.  Too much on one's plate can bring an anxiety that leads to a  pessimistic distress.

Get enough sleep.
Lack of sleep can color a person's viewpoint.  Making decisions on an empty sleep reservoir can prove to be folly.  It can affect our good sense of judgment.  Toddlers aren't the only ones that get cranky without sufficient sleep.

Don't squelch creativity.
Boredom from repetition can bring frustration.  Few things bring more sighs and groans to a committee meeting than the saying "We've never done it this way before."  A simple change like driving a new route to work, can make a bigger difference than we think.  Think out of the box so that the proverbial rut does not get a stranglehold on you and color the way you think about life.

© Nita Jackson.

  


 
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Yes, life can be mysterious and confusing--but there's much of life that's actually rather dependable and reliable.  Some principles apply to life in so many different contexts that they can truly be called universal--and learning what they are and how to approach them and use them can teach us some of the most important lessons that we've ever learned.
My doctorate is in Teaching and Learning.  I use it a lot when I teach at school, but I also do my best to apply what I've learned to the life I'm living, and to observe how others live their lives.  What makes them happy or unhappy, stressed or peaceful, selfish or generous, compassionate or arrogant?  In this book, I've done my best to pass on to you what I've learned from people in my life, writers whose works I've read, and stories that I've heard.  Perhaps these principles can be a positive part of your life, too!
Universal Principles of Living Life Fully.  Awareness of these principles can explain a lot and take much of the frustration out of the lives we lead.