New Year, New Attitude!

Every year, we strive for new goals. How about striving for a new attitude? An attitude, not merely a positive attitude – but, a better one? Being positive is more than just a state of mind. Being positive is about our interactions with ourselves, others and with difficult situations. We’re often told to “stay positive,” but no one ever tells you how to stay positive. Emotional intelligence is the ability to understand that things are going to happen to you, good, bad, and indifferent. The ability to exercise self-control and realize that just because we fail or something negative happens to us, does not mean that we are bad people or that we have a bad experience entirely. Just as it is unhealthy to be Pollyannaish, it is equally unhealthy to be overly pessimistic. How do we balance the spectrum between being positive and being overwhelmed with life? The first step is to remember that there is something good in the situation that you can learn about yourself, others or how to handle the situation better in the future. The second part is to forgive yourself for being negative about a situation. The third part is to realize that your best is going to change from moment to moment. It comes with the realization that you are not a perfect being, none of us are. That is the beauty of life, we can do things differently and in a more positive aspect every time we engage or interact with the negative situation. Keep that in mind this new year, as you go into new challenges, new ventures, new relationships, new everything. Let’s be mindful of our emotional intelligence and our ability to control several aspects of a situation. Truth be told, you have more control over a situation than you think you do.

Reference: Bradberry, T. (2014). 3 Powerful Ways To Stay Positive. Retrieved 2019, from http://www.talentsmart.com/articles/3-Powerful-Ways-To-Stay-Positive-1120740708-p-1.html

Dr. Jenice Armstead, United States Navy Veteran

Wisdom Wednesday

You have the ability to “think yourself into a good mood, or a bad mood.”  In my many professional experiences I have met people that have and express negative thoughts.  Recently, I was contracted to work for a company where I was able to communication with many people.  During this job many people “thought” they were not “good enough” and had terrible self-images.

My realization was that many people think the worst about themselves and have low hopes for their future.  At times, being in sales is like being a people therapist … You get their entire story and they want a miracle from you with promises that a product will cure their hurt … But only GOD can do that.

While working this contracted job, I often found myself giving this advice:

True freedom is being able to self-evaluate without self judgment.  Finding self-value in your individualism is priceless.  We all have individual gifts from GOD, don’t compare your gifts to anyone else’s abilities.   It is only by grace that GOD, who gives gifts can you grow and develop in yourself.  Walk in your special grace.  Allowing for others to determine your worth is like an adult getting mad at a child for being hungry, it is preventable.  Know who you are and yourself value will increase.

All the Best,

Jenice