We know positive thinking is good.  Studies show that it leads to a better life.  Some people criticize positive thinking because if you have trouble doing it, then you will feel like a failure.  That is a valid worry. Like so many things, positive thinking is not an edict from others to follow, but something to strive for and when you fail at it, to be easy on yourself and begin your journey again.

Let’s think of it as a journey.  Imagine you and I are going on a five-mile walk.  We are both determined to walk along with a smile and to have a good time.  However, I have a pillow in my backpack, and you have a backpack of rocks.  My pillow comes from privilege, while your rocks are problems and worries given to you by life and others.  It would be a completely different walk for the two of us.

So you cannot compare your experience to mine. Yet, your journey will be better if you choose to look on the bright side.  You might even appreciate the views around us better.  And when your burden gets to heavy, you can stop. And when you are better, you can move on. Your journey is hard, but the only thing that will lighten your burden is your attitude.

Or as a negative thinker, you will just go on. “I am positive that I have had a negative outlook and the only thing I could consider was to keep going forward with my burden.”

  With a positive outlook, I am open to considering alternatives paths. Ways to lighten my burden.

Which is another caveat.  Depression makes us myopic.  Cat scans show that our brains literally shut down and do less thinking. So, any depression that you have or that I had at that time, would make those alternatives look unappealing.

Depression must be dealt with- Therapy or medication. But studies show gratitude, mindfulness, exercise, and mediation also alleviate depression.

I cannot switch backpacks with you. But life has taught you negativity. That is like bad posture. Positivity is good posture that you can choose to make your burden easier to handle.