“The only way to see a rainbow is to look through the rain.”
Sometimes we forget that whenever we’re looking at a rainbow, we’re also looking past rain. In fact, the only way to see a rainbow is to look past rain. While this is true literally, it’s also true figuratively. In life, there may be raindrops spread out before us–those challenges, setbacks, heartaches, and disappointments. This anonymous quote reminds us that beyond the bad, we may be able to find something good. We’re reminded to do the best we can to either look beyond or push forward to see the rainbow at the end of whatever storms we’re going through.
“To be upset over what you don’t have is to waste what you do have.”
This quote, by Ken Keyes Jr., reminds us to count our blessings. Moreover, it reminds us that the more time and energy we spend being upset about the things we don’t have, the less time and energy we have left to appreciate what’s already right in front of us. Therefore, those things almost feel wasted. When they’re not noticed in the first place, we fail to tap into the joy of having them.
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Whether good or bad, it’s yet another day; and tomorrow can be better
“There is no royal road to anything. One thing at a time, all things in succession. That which grows fast, withers as rapidly. That which grows slowly, endures.”
“The struggle you’re in today is developing the strength you need tomorrow.”
Going From “Have to” to “Get to”
There are quite a few things we feel we have to do in life—various responsibilities, commitments, and goals we set for ourselves. You might say “I have to” do this or that, or at least think it consciously or subconsciously. “I have to exercise”, “I have to eat healthy”, “I have to go to work”, “I have to volunteer”, “I have to do chores”, “I have to run errands”. The list goes on. But what if we replace the words “have to” with “get to” for all these things? What if we reimagine them with all the opportunities and possibilities they possess? What if we’re grateful to even have the…
PositLive Music: “Better Days”
“Better Days” Written by: Ryan Tedder, Brent Kutzle, and John Nathaniel Released: March 25, 2020 The writers of this song, including lead singer Ryan Tedder, were inspired by the COVID-19 pandemic (Source). The promise of “better days” is in the context of a global pandemic. However, the lyrics to the song can be applied to any situation in which we might feel helpless. This song is about having hope that better days will come whenever we’re faced with such situations. Select PositLive Music: Lyrical Playlist to view all playlist songs as they’re being added.Select Exploring New Ways to PositLive to read about the inspiration for PositLive Music. “Better Days” Sung…
“It’s not what you say out of your mouth that determines your life, it’s what you whisper to yourself that has the most power.”
If you were to transcribe all the words that come out of your mouth and also all the thoughts that run through your head and compare both documents, would they be similar or divergent? Would someone reading it think they are words spoken by two completely different people? Which of the two transcripts would be more positive? The words said out loud or the words said to yourself? This quote, by Robert T. Kiyosaki, reminds us that the words we say internally are just as powerful–if not more powerful–than the words we say out loud. Moreover, it reminds us how important it is to make sure both narratives are aligned.
“It is our attitude at the beginning of a difficult task which, more than anything else, will affect its successful outcome.”
Having motivation isn’t always easy. It’s even harder when it comes to doing difficult tasks. Not to mention, difficult tasks in which we’re unsure what the outcome will be or we don’t believe the outcome will be positive. Simply put, it’s hard to be motivated to do something we ourselves don’t think will work out. This quote, by William James, hints at the fact that we need to start out believing things will work out in the end. Otherwise, the difficult tasks before us are made even more difficult, if not impossible. With the wrong, negative attitude, we’ll think: What’s the point of trying if this isn’t going to go…
“An optimist understands that life can be a bumpy road, but at least it is leading somewhere.”
There’s nothing worse than feeling completely hopeless. Maybe it has to do with your career, finances, relationships, happiness–whatever the case may be. This quote, by Harvey Mackay, reminds us that life is a bumpy road. Nevertheless, the road leads us somewhere. An optimist knows that there will be hills and valleys on the road to various destinations. So those low points aren’t going to last forever. Not only that, it’s only by experiencing the valleys (the low points) that we can appreciate the view from the hills; and we better appreciate the journey we took to get there.
If you believe it will work out, you’ll see opportunities. If you believe it won’t, you will see obstacles.
This quote, by Wayne Dyer, is about the power of perspective. The best way to appreciate it is by reflecting on your own experience. Think about a time you’ve had a feeling something won’t work out and a time when you’ve felt confident something will work out. With the first perspective, it’s easier to see all the things that might go wrong–the obstacles. Although it helps to be aware of the obstacles, only seeing them and not the opportunities is just discouraging. However, with a perspective that things will work out, even things that are legitimate obstacles can be perceived as opportunities.
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Living Life Poetically: “The Road”
“You gain strength, courage, and confidence by every experience in which you really stop to look fear in the face. You are able to say to yourself, ‘I lived through this horror. I can take the next thing that comes along’.”
“When thinking about life, remember this: no amount of guilt can change the past and no amount of anxiety can change the future.”
Whether good or bad, it’s yet another day; and tomorrow can be better
In life, not every day is going to be great. Sometimes, with our best effort, we’re lucky if the day is just okay. Some days might be sad, devastating, or simply boring–despite our effort to find joy. It’s especially on such days that we need to have this phrase ringing in our ears. No matter what, it’s yet another day that God’s given us. With all our faults, none of us can ever “merit” this gift each day. But if you’re reading this, you’ve got it. And no matter how crappy the day is, you have an opportunity to make tomorrow be better. Quote by: Esthella B
Start and end the day with gratitude.
It’s simple. Wake up and think of at least one thing you’re thankful for. This simple act sets your day off on the right foot. An attitude of gratitude is more likely to carry on throughout the day if you begin the day with it. But don’t stop there. Before going to bed, ask yourself the same question. This simple act at the end of the day can be for things you’re generally thankful for. However, it can also be an opportunity to recap and reflect on the day–finding at least one thing that was positive. The more you do this, the more it will come more naturally.
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“There is no royal road to anything. One thing at a time, all things in succession. That which grows fast, withers as rapidly. That which grows slowly, endures.”
“If you don’t go after what you want, you’ll never have it. If you don’t ask, the answer is always no. If you don’t step forward, you’re always in the same place.”
New Beginnings
