I Hate Negativity
It really burns me up. Tans my hide. Irks me. Raises my ire. More so, it confuses me. That is more to the truth. I don't understand negativity. I'm not talking about a little here and there -- we all have our moments when we aren't on our "best behavior." Sometimes we are "in a mood." What I'm talking about is when someone has the consistent display of negativity that overrides all other moods. I don't get it.
You know the person: there is always an excuse for why they are down-in-the-dumps, yet rarely do they ever say "I'm just in a bad mood today." Generally, they blame the bad mood on something external; something that is "not their fault." Either they don't feel well, or some jerk cut them off on the road, or their boss or teacher or somebody hates them. No matter what day it is, though, I find it is the same people time after time that display these negative moods. It's the same people who not only keep a permanent scowl on their faces, but also refuse to respond when you offer a salutation.
Maybe they enjoy the attention they get from being negative: others asking if they can help, or even marvelling at how well the Negative Nelly is coping, you know, in spite of all those negative events that always happen to her. Maybe it makes him or her feel strong in some sense. I don't know....I am confused.
I find so much more joy and satisfaction in making the best of a situation. Unfortunately, we will not always find ourselves in a happy circumstance. But the people who stay smiling and maintain their humor, those who don't alienate their friends or their acquaintances (or any other person they find themselves spending time with) tend to get through their circumstances more quickly than the Negative Ones. Other people DO want to help. They really do. But sometimes, after observing extended periods of consistent negative behavior, even the Positive Polly gives up on ever hearing a salutation returned.
Is that what the Negatories want? They say that misery loves company. Maybe that's what they are aiming for. I don't understand that....
I am in charge of my own emotions. I am in charge of my own motivation. I am in charge of my own actions. What others do does not change who I am. How others behave does not dictate my feelings. There is a little part of my brain that controls the emotion center and I can train it just like I can train any other part of my body. Some days I am more in control than others. Some days I can remain positive and happy in spite of turmoil inside. Other days, it is more difficult. I, however, do not see a reason to be consistently negative toward other people. No matter how I am feeling. People might see me upset, but I would not deny our common human connections. What is the point? Where is the benefit (and to whom)? I just don't get it.
As a teenager, I was a Negative Nelly (maybe we all are). I did behave poorly toward a single person. And I regret it often as an adult. I received no benefit from it. It only worked to make myself more upset and angry and miserable. It was a vicious cycle. At some point I made a decision to see the positive side. My life immediately became a happier place. Now I find myself confused as to why any grown person would choose to be miserable.
Well, you can't take me down with you. I like it up here.
Choose to see beauty. Choose to practice forgiveness toward friends and strangers. Choose the Human Connection. Choose to make your day a positive one. Choose to Live Well.
"Be kind. For everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle." ~ Plato
**My apologies to anyone named Nelly who might read this. I have only personally known one Nelly, and she was not at all negative. In fact, she was extremely pleasant to be around.**
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