Some of the things we can't change are more of an illusion than reality. "I'm a failure." "I never win." "It doesn't go my way." You know. All those things we tell ourselves that seem to be real when we say them but on inspection may not be the whole truth. Some things are simply a judgement. "I'm not good looking enough." "I don't have much courage." "I'm not good enough." When it comes to a matter of taste or preferences, there is very little truth except an individuals ideas. But these ideas, based in illusion and judgment, can be vexing and even painful. Worse yet, they can bring what should be a full, rich life to an early stand-still with a bleak outlook for the future.
I've found that there is very little that we can't turn into a celebration and thus turn negatives on their heads. I celebrate getting older. I celebrate being old. After all, Seniors Rule! It is the attitude of celebration that shifts the feelings about things. Instead of getting mad at someone on the phone who is supposed to help you but doesn't, you can become friendlier and more playful, start having a good time. Imagine how the other person will react to that as compared to having to deal with your anger. And you'll feel better too.
Here is what a friend learned from his kids: "Six months ago, I learned that my oldest son does something very interesting with traffic. What he and the younger kids did when traffic started slowing down was get happier and happier, kind of like “Opposite Day” (parents know what I’m talking about) until, if they came to a complete stop, they burst into cheers like they won the lottery! I marvel sometimes at how my children teach me profound things. They actually derived pleasure from traffic jams!"
It becomes a game to figure out how to turn negatives into their opposites. In the process, instead of being frustrated, angry or sad about things you can't change, you can be a whole lot happier.
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