Over the years, and certainly the last few, I’ve noticed a change in me.  Is it my over 50-AARP attitude?  Is this just what happens in life?

When I decided to try to live a more positive life, I wasn’t sure I could do it (and some days I failed miserably).  Moreover, this was not something I ever imagined focusing on.  As a single mom/lawyer/partner, I figured that was enough.  Why spend time worrying about something else!

Recently, as I struggle to be positive about certain challenging situations, I’ve been giving some serious thought to how I transformed my outlook from negative-focused to a more positive-focused one. I have to admit, there were many factors in this change, my blog, my therapist, my friends and family and the countless books I’ve read on this topic.  But no matter how it occurred, the shift is there.

Happiness is a choice.  I’ve written about this one numerous times.  It’s not always easy, but it is always an option.  Plus, positivity comes from getting rid of the negative, including changing those habits that promote your negativity … you know what those habits are for you (they can be as simple as that bag of cookies or that attitude with your kids).

I’ve made a point of finding people who inspire me.  Those who change the color of my world.  That’s been a real switch.  I also found things that made me feel good and did them over and over again (most were legal!).

My big change has been in sharing with others.  Making sure I smile at people as I walk by them or telling someone how fantastic they are.  There is nothing more gratifying then sharing your happiness with others.  Actually, the best way to do this is to just be nice. It’s that simple.

I’m not coming to any certain end point here.  All I want is to be happy, have those around me be happy and live a life more focused on the good rather than the bad.  I want to see that people’s actions, while seemingly negative, really can bring a positive turn in my life.  I’ve had many amazing life experiences that I don’t think I would have had, had I not made the choice to (try to) live positively.

My mantra for this week: Choose to be positive. Choose to be happy. Life is short. So is the cold weather!

XO