Are you a positive person? Are you energized by the people you chose to surround yourself with? Ongoing research highlights the major effect that our mood has on both our physical and emotional health. Working to stay positive and being surrounded by positive people can boost quality of life and help you live longer. It’s a win–win!
Optimist or Pessimist
We all know people, including ourselves, that we would classify as either optimists or pessimists. The old adage “cup half-full, or half-empty” comes to mind.
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- Optimists see the bright side of things, even when going through rough times. They are hopeful, positive, and believe that good will ultimately triumph over evil.
- Pessimists are the opposite. These folks tend to dwell on problems and believe things are really bad and getting worse. They also seem to enjoy pulling others down with them (“misery loves company”).
Everyone falls somewhere on the positivity continuum and we appear to be born with a particular tendency toward either optimism or pessimism. But we don’t have to be stuck in a rut if we don’t like where we are. Learning how to mindfully reframe our thoughts, either on our own or with the help of a professional, can change how we see the world.
Choose Happy
I love life and I love people!
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I think I’m an optimistic, positive person, and most of the people I know would agree. I’m extremely grateful for my life, especially since cancer, so I try to verbalize that gratitude. I smile a lot—that makes a difference!—and strive to be kind and friendly. I believe in handing out compliments with abandon and listening when someone needs to talk. If I really don’t like someone, I try to quietly exit the situation. Avoiding gossip and looking for the best in others is also really important. My hope is that I leave people feeling better than they did before we spent time together.
Spend Time With Positive People
Happiness is contagious!
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Besides working to maintain a positive attitude for myself (which some days can be hard when cancer recurrence thoughts try to steal my joy), I try to surround myself with positive people. They make me feel energized and able to conquer the world!
This starts with the great family—immediate and extended—I am blessed to have. Fun activities with girlfriends—lunch, golf, tennis, walk/talk—are an anticipated pleasure. Interest in fitness and nutrition make my time with health club co-workers and members super enjoyable.
And for those few continuously negative people in my world? Well, I do my best to limit time with them. This may mean slowly disengaging with a once-close friend, neighbor or family member. And the closer they once were, the harder this is. I just really focus on remembering how mood affects health and work to put myself in a good place. And then I call one of those positive people I love!
Happy and Healthy
Positivity, inside and out, is a great predictor of health and longevity. Because people are social beings, this requires positive relationships with one another. Love your neighbor as yourself (Mark 12:31). Now go shine your light! And look for others to do the same!
