> Beating the Hard Times With a Positively Smashing 2x4

Saturday, September 27, 2008

Beating the Hard Times With a Positively Smashing 2x4

For those of you who know me, you know that I am not much into beatings with a metaphoric 2x4. One of the only purposes (IMHO) a metaphoric 2x4 serves is to inflict further injury or self deprecation. HOWEVER, I have found a more positive purpose for the 2x4; use it to smack the living daylights out of negativity during what might be considered hard times. Let's face it folks, you and I both know that we could easily become bloody pulps, as there is so much negativity in the air right now (particularly the news), not to mention fear and desperation.

So my dear readers and friends, I would like to encourage you try some of the following positive 2x4 swinging techniques to beat the crap out of any negativity that may be looming (and to protect yourself):

1. Smile big and smile often. There is this great quote, "Keep smiling, it makes people wonder what you're up to." I did that all day yesterday, every where I went I just smiled. It was great to see the looks and even get smiles back.
2. Cop that attitude of gratitude. If you are feeling on the verge of negativity, stop whatever it is you are doing and start thanking the Universe for all the good that's surrounding you, everything you have in your life right now that is awesome and positive. ("Thank you for my health" OR "I am so grateful for my family and friends.")
3. Bury your head in the sand. No, I'm not talking about avoiding reality. What I am talking about is choosing the news to read and watch wisely. Getting caught up in all the garbage and subjecting yourself to a constant barage of dark news is not going to help raise your energy level or keep you positive. So keep the negative news to a minimum.
4. Avoid negative conversations. As an example, at the gym people were talking (or complaining) about the bail out bill so rather than engage, I chose to disengage and involve myself in another conversation. Just like with your news, choose your conversations wisely. Try to engage in conversations that give you energy rather than take it away.
5. Come from a place of love and peace. Just because others might be rude or even inconsiderate (read; cut you off in traffic, exhibit signs of "it's all about me" syndrome, etc.) that doesn't mean you have to follow suit. Try doing the exact opposite, i.e. let someone merge in front of you in traffic, ask another person how they are and really mean it; you might be surprised by the outcome and how it makes you feel.
6. Keep breathing! When negativity is bearing down we often forget to keep breathing; our breathing becomes shallow and faster. Try breathing in and out deeply three times.
7. Acknowledge someone sincerely for something they did or because of who they are. Not only will the act of acknowledging put a smile on someone's face or make them stand up straighter, but it will support your efforts to remain in a positive frame of mind.
8. Have fun and laugh a lot. Need I say more?

Lets not let what is happening in our world today bring us down. Join me in swinging that 2x4 not at ourselves, but at the negativity. Ready? On your mark, get set, swing!