Positivity– Focus on the good things in your life this week.
How can you have a positive influence on the atmosphere in the home? Moms have such an influence for positive or negative. I know that how I react to others affects the entire mood of our home. When the family members come home How I greet them makes all the difference. Do I greet them with complaining or anger because they didn’t complete a chore or something? Or do you say, “I’ve missed you!” or “It’s so good to see you!” and give them a hug?
Are you naturally a pessimist or an optimist? What do you focus on? Try to look on the bright side of things this week. Here are some things that we have tried that have helped me be more positive. Find somethings that will work for you and your family and try them out this week!
Smile. I know this may seem so simple, but it is really hard to yell and get upset if you are smiling. Think about when you see a cute little baby or someone you haven’t seen in a long time and you give him/her a great big smile! That’s the kind of smile you should try giving to your family…that “I’m so glad to see you smile!”
Laugh. We love to tell jokes, have pun wars, etc. Just down right laughing-so hard that you start to cry! When was the last time you laughed that hard?We were hanging out after our family lesson and started giggling and taking silly photos. The kids loved being silly and we laughed and laughed together. Make sure to avoid insults and sarcasm between family members. What starts as an innocent “slam” can really cut deep. Here’s my post on Family Humor.
Eliminate Gossip. It is such an easy trap to fall into. Stop talking about people in a negative way…teachers, neighbors, coworkers, scout leaders-anyone! Try to only say positive things about people. Look for the good! My husband heard this a lot growing up…Is it kind…Is it true…is it necessary? The more you talk about people in a negative way, the easier it is to look for more faults in the person. It is a vicious cycle! Put your focus on good qualities and good actions and talk about those things!
Be a light on Social Media. I read today about how you should take more “Selfless-ies” and less “selfies”. So much of social media is all about me! Look for ways to light and lift others…through uplifting posts, tips, etc. Try to focus on posts and photos that show goodness, kindness, and positivity.
CLEAN UP!-The atmosphere of your home can directly impact your attitude. Try some Marie Kondo tips and get your home organized (This feels so good by the way!). Take 10′ after dinner to put all the toys away or straighten up. When my kids were little we would all clean up together while singing the “Everybody CLEAN UP” song! I always feel happier when my counter and table are cleaned off and my dishes are done!
FORGIVE and Let it Go!If you are holding on to the pain of the past, if you are unable to forgive another-just Let it go! Holding grudges is a sure way to bring you down. Forgiving someone helps you finally have peace and joy! Don’t let them impact your happiness. I love the example of Corrie ten Boom forgiving the Nazi guard. She prayed for strength as she shook his hand and was then able to forgive him. With God’s help you can do anything-no matter how difficult!
No Complaining. This goes for the kids too. Even if they don’t like zucchini-tell them for this week there is no complaining. This goes for you too. If things aren’t done the way that you would like-focus on what was done and try to say something good about it instead. Gordon B. Hinkley said, “Stop seeking out the storms and enjoy more fully the sunlight.” Focus on the sunlight!
Show Gratitude. Thankfulness is one of the best ways to lift your mood and help you appreciate your life. “It’s not the happy person who is grateful, it’s the grateful person who is happy.” Take time in your prayers, make an evening list, start a gratitude journal, or try to stop during the day and count your blessings! It will lift your spirits! You can Create a happy list of good things that have happened to you each day. Make a journal entry of blessings. Here’s a journal to help kids develop positivity.
SERVE OTHERS. Helping others is an amazing way to lift your spirits. Whenever we help others-we are benefited ten-fold. Look for times for your family to help others or do random acts of kindness. Whenever we do service we always feel happier, more grateful, and we get along better as well.
Hobbies. Try something new this week. I find a lot of joy in pushing myself and trying something new. You can take a class, search online, or ask a friend to teach you how to do something. I have learned a lot of skills from friends…crochet, toll painting, hair bows, etc. I have really enjoyed learning these skills.
Keep your thoughts positive. Keep them upbeat and positive. I’ve always liked this picture of cleaning out all the trash in your mind. You really are what you think about. If you are judgmental and negative in your head, that will begin to show in your actions and words! I loved the book, “The Power of Positive Thinking“. There is a lot you can do to replace all of the negative thoughts in your head with positive, uplifting things.
Pray. I love this scripture, “Be of good cheer, for I will lead you along.” -D&C 78:18. Remember that the Lord wants you to be happy. He will help you do so if you ask in faith.
Exercise More. Exercise is so beneficial! Find a time to add more exercise to your life. Take family walks, play in the snow, family bike rides, hiking, or have a Wii night. Do whatever it takes to get your body moving. I know I always feel better after a good workout! It makes me happy!
Have real conversations. Have a sit down dinner with your family. Don’t just say, “How was your day?” Ask questions that will get them thinking and sharing. Here are some questions for your kids and spouse.
“The joy we feel has little to do with the circumstances of our lives and everything to do with the focus of our lives.”
Russell M. Nelson
I love that! Where is your focus? You can make a huge impact in your home to make it a little more like heaven-more clean, peaceful, and filled with Joy!