How to Stay Optimistic

Staying optimistic is definitely an "easier said than done" sort of thing, but does not mean that a person should ever allow themselves to give up on the idea. One of the things necessary to achieve that goal would be the knowledge how to effectively solve our problems. For example, if we're talking about combating money related issues, there are multiple simple measures you can take like using Kohl's coupons from Discountrue to save on our major purchases, which should help you get a hold of your finances. But what do we do when our minds start to wander away from the proper thought process? Here are five helpful tips when you find yourself being a bit too negative.
 
1. Be Thankful
You may not have every single thing that you want in life, but guess what? No matter how down you may feel, you still have a lot to be grateful for. It is human nature to excessively focus on what we don't have and while this can serve as a powerful motivational tool, it does not always do wonders for our level of optimism. Take a moment to count your blessings and be grateful for the things that you do have.

So the other day I was just grumpy. And why in the world would I want to stay that way?! You've got me. But it's like my grumpiness just wanted to be there, almost like a leech sucking the life out of me, clinging with all it's might to not let go. Yuck! And I can see the same thing in my kiddos. Grumpy clinging to grumpiness.  Then I was reminded of this verse.

Shout triumphantly to the Lord, all the earth.
Serve the Lord with gladness; come before Him with joyful songs...
Enter His courts with praise.
Give thanks to Him and praise His name.
For Yahweh is good, and His love is eternal; His faithfulness endures through all generations." -Psalm 100

But when you're grumpy shouting to the Lord triumphantly is one of the last things you want to do. But just like smiling it's an instant game changer. I tried it out on my kids when they were stuck in a complaining mood which was intensifying my grumpiness. I went first and we played the lets shout about how awesome God is game. It was kind of hard to think of what to say, but the results were incredible! After every shout came not just a smile and change of attitude but a giggle! 

Isn't God just so generous that He made praising Him be fruitful in our own attitude. It reminds me of giving. Not only is the gift-getter blessed, but also the giver. The same is true with shouting joyfully to the Lord, not only is the Lord blessed but so is the shouter. Cool huh!
 
2. Exercise Regularly
God designed out bodies in such beautifully intrigue ways. And He built them in ways that exercise would help bring us health and change our mood. Exercise triggers the release of healthy endorphins and these endorphins lead to a significant decrease in stress and anxiety. Exercising is great for getting your mind off of troublesome situations and helping you step back and gain perspective.
 
3. Look At The Big Picture
We often struggle to realize that the world is much bigger than just us or our silly problems. Learning how to take the focus off of your issues and think about the things that other people are going through helps immensely. Whether it's conversing with family and friends about their problems or something as simple as turning on the news to find out about a tragedy that took place elsewhere, widening the scope of our vision is a necessary part of remaining optimistic. 

My husband and I like to play the What's True game when we are stuck in a complaining or negative mindset. We try to recount Scripture that reminds us what's true regardless of how we feel. Everytime the Lord uses it to bring truth to the situation which gives comfort. "This is my comfort in my affliction, that your word has revived me." Psalm 119:50
 
4. Be Kind To Yourself
It definitely hurts to be criticized and unfortunately, we tend to be our own worst critics. While you should not be letting yourself off the hook for doing things that are uncouth or unbecoming, every mistake does not require an extended bout of self flagellation. When the voices inside of your head start to speak lies, cling to what God says is true about you and find your identity in Him and His righteousness. 
 
5. Be Here Now
To be here now means to be fully present in the current moment. Our optimism tends to wane when we spend too much time gazing into the future or the past, at the expense of the present. Positive and productive people do not allow themselves to get bogged down by things that they cannot control, they merely focus on the things that they can. Wherever God has you, walk by faith taking the initiative in the power of the Holy Spirit and leaving the results up to Him.

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