Positively

I remember years ago, telling my husband that I wanted to start a positive news station. Only positive, uplifting stories allowed. He gave me a verbal pat on the head, stating that as nice an idea as that was, “nobody would watch it.”

Well, how about now? I’ll bet I could sell my positive news station idea now.

There is so much negativity on the news lately, especially here in my beloved state of Michigan where the economy appears to be hitting rock bottom. Everywhere you turn: newspapers, television, radio--forecasts full of gloom ‘n doom. My normally upbeat hubby was even starting to feel down listening to the television anchors drone on and on every day. Finally, I suggested he take a hiatus from watching it, and his mood appears to have lifted considerably.

Wouldn’t it be nice to have some good news delivered daily? My positive news station reporters and I would search out stories about people performing A.R.K.’s (Acts of Random Kindness). We’d broadcast these inspiring tales for all the world to hear, creating powerful waves of uplifted-ness. (I know, I know, that’s not a word but you get my drift.)

One of my favorite morning radio show hosts (Jim Harper-Magic 105.1) had his New Year’s Resolution quoted in the Detroit Free Press. His resolution was to be more positive in 2009. I don’t make New Year’s Resolutions, but I do like to set goals. So I’ve decided to adopt his attitude and I’m going to make one of my goals for 2009 to daily focus on the positives. Toward that end, I’ve reinstituted a custom I used to practice over a decade ago, but which ultimately fell by the wayside as I got busy with life. That custom is writing in my Daily Gratitude Journal.

I swiped this idea from a book I read back in 1996 called, Simple Abundance, by Sarah Ban Breathnach. The purpose of the Daily Gratitude Journal is to focus on the things in your life for which you are grateful every day. I purchased a beautiful hardcover blank book at my favorite book store. (Used a 40% off coupon--I love it when I remember to use a coupon!) Then each night before going to bed, I open my book and write down five things for which I’m grateful.

Some days it’s easy to find five things. On the more challenging days, when I really think about it, I can still find positives to write about: I have a roof over my head, food to eat, warm clothes to wear, my hubby and I both have jobs, and no blood was drawn when the kids were fighting today. The interesting thing is, when you focus on the positive, you end up becoming more positive.

Several months ago, my church was passing out some purple bracelets. They were of the “Live Strong” variety, but instead had “Complaint Free World” written on them. I didn’t pick one up at the time, but for $1 you can order your very own “Complaint Free World” bracelet, and I’m seriously thinking about getting one now.



According to the organization’s website, the goal of Complaint Free World, Inc. is to help people “in 2009, shift forever from being a negative person to being a positive person.” Check them out here: http://www.acomplaintfreeworld.org/.

Okay! So here I am, armed with my Daily Gratitude Journal and with my “Complaint Free World” bracelet on the way. I think I’m positively ready to face the New Year.

Here’s to 2009! Blessings all around!

Image from Complaint Free World, Inc.