NEGATIVE POSITIVITY
Striving to achieve - searching for ways to find - to hear, to speak, and to see the positives in life is something we all desire. Yet, we are hesitant and somewhat fearful of things unfamiliar or negative to us. At an early age, we become infected with negative, character and ego defining words which can cause staunch, defensive, irrational, and sometimes self-righteous behavior. Our response - the human reaction.
NO ~
When we are young, the word "no" means that we are doing something wrong. The same scolding command given to a puppy when he pees on the rug.
As we age, grow into adulthood, the word "no" has a different meaning and effect. It shuts us down, tells us not to pursue any further. It sounds and feels finite, but is it really? No…not always. When communicated effectively, being told "no" is not always the definitive answer we have to accept. It can actually open the door to new knowledge, viewpoints, and interesting conversation. Be respectful, yet open minded.
DOUBT ~
To doubt someone or something keeps the skeptic flourishing in constant indecision. Doubt can be an eye-opening learning tool inviting research and understanding of the unknown. Discover a new outlook - look around - open your eyes.
Therefore, study, listen, and realize that doubt can be a bond as powerful as certainty -
and just as sustaining.
NEVER ~
"Never say never"...we've all said this to others, and to ourselves. "Never" is such a finite word - as relating to an occurrence forbidden from taking place ever again.
I am sure there are some people who abide by their proclamations of "never again".
In regards to a bad marriage, dating, unhealthy vices, careers, etc. Even so, there is no guarantee that "never" shall prevail in any circumstance – it is not as finite as the definition dictates.
IMPOSSIBLE ~
To say that something is impossible can actually be both true and false. For example:
True - it is impossible for you to change my heritage or my race.
True - it is impossible for you to turn back time and be 13 again. However,
is it impossible that you’ll take a trip into outer space, win an Academy Award, or become President of the USA? Well, these things are highly improbable,
but NOT impossible.
FEAR ~
Fear is common. But, it has many different, unique meanings for all of us. Fear reigns dominant over all of the words I’ve written about in this piece:
No - Doubt – Never - Impossible
Fear takes hold – it holds us back from facing all that is foreign, unfamiliar, and uncomfortable. But, we need to face some of our fears. We must teach and encourage children to do this at an early age. We must get out of our comfort zones, be open to “change” and be motivated to discover new things…things which could be beautifully life changing. Fear makes us hide - from ourselves and from others.
Worse, we are crippled with the narcissistic worry of what others think of us!
You see, all these words... and the pessimism they typify, merely have the perception of being negative. When in reality, these words can represent opportunity for change – an opportunity for courageous endeavors – an opportunity to change our outlook of life – and our world.
