Some have a knack at seeing the bright side of things. I am one of those people. Maybe to the point of ridiculousness - is that bad? It may be annoying to some, though I cannot figure out why. What is the worst-case scenario to always seeing the bright side? (No, seriously. What is it? I haven't a clue. Leave your answers in the comments I would love to read them.)
A friend of mine gave me an article to read (you can read it here: Author: Angela Lashbrook) that mentions "catastrophizing" or "fortune-telling." I looked into those words further as I have a few people in my life who fall into these categories. "Catastrophizing" and "fortune-telling" are cognitive distortions, and there are more. Different types, different categories. Suddenly down the rabbit hole, I went, negative thinking comes in many forms. Approximately a dozen or so categories from a little bit of research. This kind of thinking can lead to depression (although some therapists disagree,) it isn't hard for me to believe that it can. Being negative all of the time is not healthy for yourself or those around you.
One of the therapies suggested is to combat those thoughts with positive thinking. Of course, if your subconscious and immediate reaction to every situation is to think of the worst-case, trying to think positively will take work and active participation. It is not impossible. Also, the more you do it, the easier it is going to be for you over time. This isn't a try once succeed operation. It is something you will continue to work at just as an alcoholic has to actively work at not taking that next drink.
When you look at every situation as unfavorable, it spirals your thoughts quickly down to the point of you giving up and not even trying. That hardly seems pleasant. I understand that it is difficult to change this type of thinking and that there are extenuating circumstances that cause it in some people. Difficult to change does not equate to impossible to change. Like most things in this world - things worth doing take work. Rarely is something easy, then we reap the rewards, and we appreciate what has happened. There is typically a certain amount of work that has to happen in order for us to truly appreciate the return.
So stay with me on this for a minute. Let's say you do the work. Let's say every time a negative thought runs through your mind, you stop and replace it with equally positive thinking. What's the worst that can happen? (This part may be easy for the negative thinkers, for me, it is difficult, but I will try.) A worst-case scenario of if you think positive when you want to feel negative - the outcome is not as good as you predicted? It does not seem that bad. (Again, leave your worst-case for me in the comments, I am very curious to know.)
On the flip side, if you think that you will fail, you already have. The mind is a powerful muscle, and it can lift you or knock you down. Stop letting your subconscious dictate your thoughts and consciously take control. The negative thoughts won't disappear, but for many, the continued work of positive thinking will help exponentially.
If negative thinking rules your mind causing depression or lowering your quality of life, please seek help. Find a good therapist. If you are uncomfortable with a therapist then you are not going to be able to do the work needed to help yourself. Surround yourself with people who support and love you.
On the bright side,
Love Lots; Smile Often #LLSO
If you or someone you know may be contemplating suicide, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1–800–273–8255 or text HOME to 741741 to reach the Crisis Text Line.