<![CDATA[CELEBRATING LIFE TOGETHER!

𝐓𝐇𝐄𝐑𝐄 𝐈𝐒 𝐋𝐈𝐆𝐇𝐓 𝐈𝐍 𝐄𝐕𝐄𝐑𝐘 𝐏𝐋𝐈𝐆𝐇𝐓
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"𝘐𝘵 𝘪𝘴 𝘥𝘶𝘳𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘥𝘢𝘳𝘬𝘦𝘴𝘵 𝘮𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘸𝘦 𝘮𝘶𝘴𝘵 𝘧𝘰𝘤𝘶𝘴 𝘵𝘰 𝘴𝘦𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘭𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵." – Aristotle.
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Having a negativity bias often has a more significant impact on how we feel than positive or neutral ones. However, research has shown that people who cultivate negative energy experience more stress, more sickness, and less opportunity throughout their lives than those who choose to live positively.
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Although negative and positive energy will always exist, the key to limit the amount of negativity that we experience is by expanding our mindsets and focus on the brighter side of things instead. Interestingly, in the English word, "Plight," there is the word light in it. In other words, there is always hope in every situation that we may be going through if we care to look hard enough.
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Here are four suggestions for keeping your shadow in check:
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𝟏. 𝐒𝐄𝐄 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐁𝐈𝐆 𝐏𝐈𝐂𝐓𝐔𝐑𝐄
In the research paper, "Seeing the big picture: Broadening attention relieves sadness and depressed mood," by Gu L, Yang X, Li LMW, Zhou X, Gao DG, these Chinese researchers found that participants with depressed mood showed increased positive affect and decreased negative affect after receiving attention broadening training compared to those receiving attention narrowing training. Their findings "suggest a robust role of broadened attentional scope in relieving negative emotions and even mildly depressed mood in the long run."

When we take the time to look at the big picture, it can cause a shift in perspective, modify our judgment, and ultimately change our focus and activity. Getting a big picture perspective tends to reinforce the essential things and refocus our attention on what we determine to be true priorities.
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𝟐. 𝐏𝐑𝐀𝐂𝐓𝐈𝐂𝐄 𝐆𝐑𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐓𝐔𝐃𝐄
Research also shows that practicing gratitude makes it easier to focus on the good things and accept the bad stuff. It prompts us to realize that things are not as bad as they may seem, which helps us stop the negativity. It also helps shift our attitude from one of lack and frustration to appreciation. This will ultimately make our life more fulfilling and joyous. There are several ways to practice gratitude. Some of which are writing gratitude notes, gratitude lists, or a gratitude journal. When we notice and savor the good things in our lives, it will produce good feelings within us.
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𝟑. 𝐁𝐄 𝐀𝐑𝐎𝐔𝐍𝐃 𝐏𝐎𝐒𝐈𝐓𝐈𝐕𝐄 𝐏𝐄𝐎𝐏𝐋𝐄
Our tribe affects our vibes. We are influenced by the people that we surround ourselves with. If we fill our network of friends and associates with people who are negative energy-suckers, we will eventually become like them. It is impossible to see the light when the people around us project only doom and gloom. Change can be scary, but separating ourselves from negative people can be a massive step to becoming more positive and happier. While trying to be positive by ourselves can be a good start, it can be a slow and tedious process. Surrounding ourselves with positive friends can make it easier to escalate it. Solutions to problems can be found when dark clouds are blown away and when light once again shines through.
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𝟒. 𝐂𝐇𝐀𝐍𝐆𝐄 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐂𝐎𝐋𝐎𝐑𝐒 𝐎𝐅 𝐎𝐔𝐑 𝐓𝐇𝐎𝐔𝐆𝐇𝐓𝐒
Talking about light, if we want to improve our mood, we must let the light in us shine through. To do so, we must work hard to change the color of our thoughts from dark and gloomy to bright and sunny. It is proven that when our body is exposed to too little sunlight, the amount of serotonin available in the brain decreases. Low levels of serotonin are strongly associated with depressive symptoms. A Dutch study published in 2013 found that just 30 minutes of light therapy per day for three consecutive weeks was enough to reduce symptoms of depression significantly. In the same manner, we can paint our thoughts with brighter colors to liven our mood.
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The negativity bias is powerful, and fighting it will take time. But it's all well worth the effort. Practice the above suggestions consistently, and we'll notice our negativity bias shrinking, and the light begins to shine through our plight.
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𝘔𝘺 𝘎𝘰𝘥 𝘵𝘶𝘳𝘯𝘴 𝘮𝘺 𝘥𝘢𝘳𝘬𝘯𝘦𝘴𝘴 𝘪𝘯𝘵𝘰 𝘭𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵." - Psalm 18:28
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See the light yet?
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𝙁𝙧𝙚𝙙 𝙏𝙤𝙠è 𝙖𝙠𝙖 𝘿𝙧. 𝙏𝙤𝙠è𝙢𝙤𝙣