Recently, I have noticed a distinct change in the way I have been thinking and how it has affected my life. For years, I have struggled with the negative thought patterns often associated with depression and anxiety and have found that my thinking has taken a definite downward spiral. This has affected everything from the way I think about myself to the way I think about others and life in general.

I am reminded that in order to live a positive, happy and healthy life, one must change one’s thinking. Think positive, be positive. That does not mean that every minute of every day is going to be wonderful. It does mean that if you look for the positive in things, there likely is an upside to everything. Your life is about as good as you decide it is going to be. If you look for the silver lining, there is bound to be one. The way you think profoundly affects everything.

In an effort to regain my positive attitude toward life, I have taken to seeking out motivational quotes and readings to inspire me to think more positively. I have only been doing this for a week, but must confess it is helping tremendously. Perhaps you might benefit from the same if you are struggling with negative thinking.

What I had forgotten of late is that even on our worst days, our lives likely are not all that bad. Everything that comes to us from the universe is meant to help us learn more about ourselves and help us become better people … the people we were always meant to be. Trials and tribulations confront us to help us learn what our strengths are so that we can draw from them in the future when things get rough. Life is our greatest lesson, our best teacher.

When stuck in the muck of negative thinking, it can be difficult to reframe your thoughts to see the good in situations. I am trying to remember that even when things seem bad, there is good to be found and that there always is something to be grateful for. Gratitude is the birthplace of joy. How you look at things, how you interpret life’s daily challenges dictates how you perceive your life, yourself and others around you. Would you not rather see the good in things and lead a more positive life than dwell on the negative? What can you do today to improve your outlook on life? What steps can you take to change the way your think about yourself and your life?