DEALING WITH NEGATIVITY: HOW TO STAY POSITIVE IN A NEGATIVE WORLD by Miriam Rees
How to Handle Negativity Around You
Have you ever had a co-worker, friend, or acquaintance who seems to always focus on the negative? It can feel overwhelming, especially when it starts affecting your own mindset. Negativity can make it hard to find joy in your daily life or to focus on the blessings around you.
So, how do you deal with it?
My Experience with Negative People
Throughout most of my life, I’ve encountered jobs where one or two people always had a negative outlook. They seemed unable to see the good in anything, and I could never understand how they functioned day to day with such a mindset.
“Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.” — Romans 12:2 NLT
About ten years ago, I realized that allowing negativity around me was affecting my own mental health. I was depressed, irritable, and constantly frustrated. Something had to change.
The Turning Point in My Life
The sudden death of my father was the wake-up call I needed. Losing him reminded me that life is too short to be angry or depressed. I began to ask myself: Will I be ready if God calls me next?
From that moment, I made a conscious decision to protect my mindset. I distanced myself from consistently negative people and focused on cultivating positivity in my life.
“God blesses you when people mock you and persecute you and lie about you and say all sorts of evil things against you because you are my followers.” — Matthew 5:11
How to Shift from Negativity to Positivity
Negativity can affect anyone if it surrounds them constantly. Here’s what I recommend:
- Choose yourself first. Prioritize your mental and emotional health over the opinions or attitudes of others.
- Focus on your blessings. Make a list of everything good in your life—family, friends, health, a job, and shelter.
- Practice gratitude daily. Look for the positive aspects in every situation instead of dwelling on what you lack.
- Develop a morning routine with devotions. Start each day with prayer, scripture, or inspirational readings. The Bible app has many excellent devotionals to get you started.
- Create healthy boundaries. It’s okay to stop sharing personal details with those who consistently bring you down.
The Results of a Positive Mindset
After implementing these changes, my life transformed. I became happier, more confident, and more productive. I began to see the world in a clearer, brighter light. Daily gratitude and devotionals helped me appreciate my blessings and focus on what truly matters.
Positivity isn’t just about feeling happy—it’s about choosing a mindset that empowers you, even when the world around you is negative.
Takeaway
Negativity is everywhere, but it doesn’t have to control your life. By setting boundaries, focusing on gratitude, and nurturing your spiritual life, you can protect your mindset and embrace a life full of joy and purpose. Start today—choose positivity over negativity, and watch your life transform.
