The world can be a discouraging place to live. Negative people, family matters, the economy, life challenges, health issues, the pandemic, and on and on have the tendency to discourage us and unmotivate us. But regardless how discontent we may feel about things beyond our control, we’re still left with a choice. The choice of whether we’re going perceive life as a big drag and fret about it in the process, or approach it with the best attitude we can muster to make it worth living.
Don’t get me wrong, finding inspiration, motivation, and putting your best foot forward each day doesn’t always come easy. Just like with everything else in life, it takes focus and a little effort on our part.
A technique I’ve found useful in my own personal life is the do-it-yourself-motivation-approach. A simple change in life perception.
For instance, if you have the tendency to wake up each day feeling ungrateful, dreading the laborious task of having to go to work, wishing the economy was in better shape, hoping your family would act a certain way, complaining about the most minute things, you’ll eventually feel discouraged and uninspired about life. But on the other hand, if you start your day, thinking, “Today is gonna be a beautiful day.” “I am ready to face whatever comes my way.” “I’m grateful to be alive.” “My life has purpose and meaning.” “I won’t allow people or circumstances to get me upset.” “I’m happy for my family and friends.” Your perception about life immediately changes. You’ll feel more positive and empowered to meet life challenges and, of course, those difficult people that at times want to rob you of your sanity and emotional well being. I call them joy robbers. The ones always trying to bring you down to their level of negativity.
Living in one of the most hostile negative places (prison) on the planet, not every day is peachy and joyful for me. There have been times in which I’ve found myself fretting and complaining. But once I recognize my way of thinking and know I’m treading on the verge of embracing a negative attitude, I immediately utter positive affirmations such as: “I won’t allow anyone to alter my attitude.” “No matter what I’m going to enjoy my day.” “I am going to be the best I can be despite my circumstances.”I won’t let anything put me in a sour mood.” Pretty soon those feelings of discontent dissipate into thin air. I begin to feel more grateful and peaceful in my prison surroundings which thrives and abounds with oppressive rules, negativity, and random violence. This is also one of the reasons why I always try to start my day with the reminder of this short prayer:

“God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change. Courage to change the things I can, and wisdom to    know the difference.”

Each day comes prepackaged with its own difficulties and challenges. No doubt about it.  But you can embrace it under a positive tenor and not allow others (or difficult life circumstances) to undermine your sense of peace. YOU are your own cheerleader. YOU are your own joy-builder. YOU are your own ‘energy up – energy in’. YOU are your own motivator.

You can text Edwin: (256) 695-0223