Personal growth,  Positivity

How to brighten our dark thoughts

“I once had a garden filled with flowers that grew only on dark thoughts, but they needed constant attention, and one day I decided I had better things to do.” ~Brian Andreas

Negativity is both lazy and self-destructive. It’s easy to get caught up in the hourly maelstrom of bad news, stressful events, and angry opinions — especially if you spend time on social media. “Dark thoughts” can become a pattern, a habit. (Haven’t we all met people who start complaining as soon as we ask how they’re doing?)

Positivity takes tremendous effort, which is why so many people settle for the low-hanging fruit of doomscrolling.

This is why I’m limiting how much stressful news I consume daily. The way I see it, my attention is a gift — a gift I can’t afford to waste on anything that insults my soul and robs my peace of mind. I can stay informed within limits, while focusing on things I find hopeful and beautiful.

Positivity isn’t a matter of thinking cheerful thoughts. It requires action. It makes us dig deep and reach for the best in every situation. Positivity demands that we aim to benefit others, not just ourselves. It demands that we set our standards high.

Positive people set a brighter example whenever possible. It’s always possible. ~CL

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Throughout my career, I've worked as a book production editor, travel magazine editor, features writer, and weekly newspaper columnist. My award-winning lifestyles features and essays have appeared in many national magazines and anthologies, including Newsweek, Reader's Digest, The Christian Science Monitor, Writer's Digest, Victoria, Better Homes & Gardens, Bella Grace, and more. My weekly Sunday "Life Lines" column ran for 14 years in The Daily Tribune (Royal Oak, MI) and won a First Place (Local Columns) award from the Michigan Press Association. My essay collection, Writing Home, includes 93 previously published columns and essays focusing on parenthood and family life.

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