Positivity
I use a determined form of positivity, looking for the glint of good in every situation. The reason behind that attitude is selfish. I was not always a happy person. In fact, I spent my time in the negative quarters of my head, beating myself up over things I had no control over. I thought that cell of despair was my prison, and I would be forever locked outside the happy circle by my demeanor and my past.
I did not like it, I could not see a future or capture any joy. Then I met other people who had been through a few rough and unpleasant experiences and they chose to find good, to be happy anyway. It was a revelation that Happy was not a reflection of a person’s reality and circumstance, but rather an attitude that they chose.
I learned, put on my happy face and as I brightened, so did my world. Anyone can stand in shit and find shit. It takes dedication and talent to stand there and find something worth keeping.
That determined cheerfulness is interesting. It makes me less likely to hear others complain, unless they are looking for a solution. It insulates me from those that want to spin the world in a negative direction, for no good reason. Does it stop me from being a pessimist? No, but I try to look for the good among my pessimistic outcomes.
Choose your attitude and wear it proudly, but every once in awhile put on a 🙃 happy face.