We all need a little positive encouragement now and then. It can be hard to come by when we’re bombarded by deadlines at work, frustrated commuters on the way to work and the daily stresses of life in general. Fortunately, there are places to find positive encouragement, even in today’s hectic world.
1. In Friends with Mutual Interests
Friends can be a great source of positive encouragement. It helps to seek out friends who have the same interest as you. Co-workers, by nature, can fit into this category. It can be easy to fall into the habit of talking about the bad things about work. Make a rule to keep your get-togethers outside of the office positive: no complaining. The same goes with your other friends. Have a rule that if you go out together, that any negativity needs to be checked at the door.
2. In Books with Positive Messages
There are genres of books that focus on a positive message, and not just religious books. Inspirational books are becoming more and more popular. Take comfort in knowing that you are not the only one looking for a positive message. You would be surprised at how much encouragement you can find in someone’s life story. It can be either fiction or non-fiction. Positive encouragement in books tends to span nearly all genres.
3. In You
Sometimes positive encouragement is something you have to find in yourself. You can easily get yourself into a funk over issues at work or awful things on the news. Some things you encounter in life you cannot control. What you can control is how the things that creep into your life everyday affect you. Life is what you make it. If you focus on what’s right instead of what’s wrong, you just might be able to weather the storms that come along a little better.
4. In Movies
You’re not likely to find much positive encouragement in the latest horror flick. Movies can evoke a wide range of emotions, which is why this medium has been a part of our lives for over a century. People tend to gravitate towards movies that make them feel good. It’s hard to deny the feeling you get when E.T. finally makes it home or even when Kermit admits how he feels about a certain pig. Guys can find just as much of a positive message in any of the Rocky movies as women find in just about any Sandra Bullock movie.
5. In Television
Don’t be so quick to jump on the “television is garbage” bandwagon. With the number of channels available today, there are plenty of shows on that offer positive encouragement. Even some reality shows can give you a boost of self-confidence and pride. Pick one or two shows that actually make you feel good after you watch them. Consider watching some of these shows before you go to bed. Going to bed thinking about something positive just might help you get a better night’s sleep too.
6. At Church
Faith and a common belief can be a powerful force when it comes to focusing on the positive things in life. If you need an additional boost in positive encouragement, consider volunteering for a group associated with your church or talk to your minister. You have a build-in support group at church. Finding comfort and strength in one another and a higher power can do wonders for the soul. Even if you are not religious, church-related activities can still help you to feel a little better about yourself and those around you.
7. Christian Music
Gritty reality can provide a source of inspiration for many a song. However, a steady diet of songs about relationships gone sour, missing the one you love and why the world is so bad can really suck the happiness right out of you. Christian music tends to be positive. Many of today’s Christian artists perform songs similar in musical tone to other contemporary music. The only difference is in the message. This doesn’t mean you have to give up the music you normally listen to. Think of it as broadening your horizons.
Positive encouragement can be found in just about every aspect of your life, from the movies and TV shows you want to the friends you associate with and even the way you look at life’s little challenges. It’s about finding the right attitude and taking a moment to put everything into perspective. The encouragement you find in your own life just might serve as inspiration to others.
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