Seriously, think about it for a while. It is so easy to get caught up in all the negative stuff that happens around us. Especially when the everyday is rolling away and chores and errends and jobs and tasks and demands and what-not fills up our days. We get stressed. We get tired. We get grumpy. Sometimes we get bored. I get bored a lot. Then the negativity spiral takes off. Damn it.
Negativity breeds negativity
I read this article explaining how emotions are contagious, the negative once even more so:
“Many experts believe that negative emotions are a lot easier to catch than positive ones. Some believe this is reflective of our evolutionary past wherein being highly attuned to other people’s negative emotions (pain, fear, and disgust) was directly linked to survival. Those who could pick up on someone else’s pain, fear, and disgust were more likely to survive than those who could not.
But – positivity also breeds positivity. Phew!
It most definitely does. Take it from the experts and take it from me, the self-acclaimed negative/positive expert that I am.
Saying positive things. Doing positive things. It spreads positive vibes.
So, am I positve all day everyday? Hell no. I am often the opposite. I am prone to dwelving in my own missery, but that is exactly why I need to do something active and conscious to force the positivity into my life – otherwise it all gets too dark and dull to handle. Worst of all, I can give my negative vibe onto my kiddos.
My bag of little tricks to boost my own and my family’s positive spirit is pretty jam packed. I think I need to use it even more, ay?
Well, this particular trick is a family one, because our family needs to calm the fuck down and be postive every night – we can be such a bunch of whingers otherwise.
What is it we do?
It is pretty simple and something everyone can do every day. We eat dinner together every night and while eating we take turns in telling the other which three things that made us happy during the day. Simple.
Does it really work?
Yes! Focusing on some positive things that we experienced during the day help us to:
1. Start good conversations about the day around the table.
3. Give everyone a chance to get a word in and be heard.
2. Focus on the positives and go to bed with that in mind – or at least we can remind us self that life isn’t that bad afterall.
It might sound basic, but, as you know, back to basic is the new black. Some days it is really easy. Some days it can actually be pretty hard. On all days it is a good idea.
Here are some examples from our dinner table:
Today it made me happy (kids edition)…
…to play with my friends.
…to eat pizza here with you right now.
…to play in the sandpit.
…that I love my whole family.
…to get lollies.
…to swim in the pool.
…to play games together.
And the adult edition…
…to paint the bathroom.
…to have a nap.
…to see Lulu take her first steps.
…when you girls played nicely together.
…to finish my assignment.
…to hear back from that job.
…to get the shopping done.
And one that very often goes again around the table:
Right now, eating dinner together.
As you can see, it does not have to be huge magnificent things. It can be, but it can also be tiny little things that made your day better in some way or another.
Have a go yourselves tonight and let me know how you go. Also, be a bit patient. It somehow gets better over time. At least that is my experience.
What has made you happy today?
❤️
