The power of positivity

There is an oft-repeated quote that goes like this: “Life is like a rollercoaster, but it’s your choice to scream or enjoy the ride.” It’s a quote that resonates with many of us, and I’m sure most of you have come across it at some point. Personally, I’ve used this quote many times, but its true meaning became apparent when I consciously started to notice my feelings. 

Today, I stand before you to share my journey of self-discovery and personal growth. I did an experiment where I noted down every single thought that crossed my mind for the past two weeks. I took a deep dive into self-reflection. I made it a point to write down my thoughts, feelings, and experiences that crossed my mind every day. I didn’t hold back—I wrote about the things that were bothering me the most, what made me happy, and the challenges I faced. It was like being on a rollercoaster, with ups and downs. There were moments of anxiety and times when I felt overwhelmed, but there were also little sparks of happiness. Through it all, I learned how powerful it is to focus on the positive side of life.

When I summed up what I had jotted down for the past two weeks, I realized that life is not always a bed of roses, and it is up to us to shape our perspective and find the silver linings in every situation. Let me share with you some of the feelings I noted down and the valuable lessons I learned along the way.

Firstly, anxiety seemed to show up more often than I would have preferred. There were mornings when I woke up with a racing heart, unsure of what was causing my anxiety. It felt like the weight of the world was on my shoulders, and my mind was filled with worries. I discovered that cortisol levels (stress hormones) are higher in the morning, which is why practicing meditation and mindfulness in the morning can help calm us down. By writing down my thoughts, I started to understand why I felt this way and faced it directly. I learned to take deep breaths, remind myself of my abilities and focus on the positive side of things. This helped me become more resilient and conquer my anxious thoughts.

Secondly, there were moments when I felt like I was going crazy. The daily pressures of life, work deadlines and responsibilities felt like an overwhelming burden, pushing me to the brink of my sanity. Some days, I felt lost and unproductive, causing me to fall behind on my tasks. However, amidst this chaos, I learned the value of self-care and self-compassion. I discovered that by taking small breaks, practicing mindfulness and taking care of my well-being, I could regain clarity and regain control over my thoughts. This project taught me how important it is to prioritize my mental health and find inner peace even in the midst of life’s chaos.

Lastly, there were moments of pure happiness that broke through the clouds. There were days when I woke up feeling energized and content. It was during these instances that I experienced the incredible power of positivity. By intentionally focusing on the positive aspects of my life, even the smallest ones, I could magnify those moments of joy. I came to understand that happiness is not a distant destination, but rather a state of mind. By cultivating gratitude and cherishing the simple pleasures, I was able to create a more meaningful and satisfying life.

Through my gratitude journal, I was constantly reminded that one of the things I am incredibly grateful for is my family. Their love and care are constants in my life, and I appreciate them deeply on a daily basis. They have been my rock, providing support and encouragement through all the ups and downs. Their presence brings me comfort, and their unwavering love fills my heart with warmth. This project reminded me to cherish and express my gratitude for my family, as their presence is truly a blessing in my life.

By focusing on the positive and jotting down my feelings, I have grown in immeasurable ways. I have learned to reframe my negative responses, to conquer my anxiety, to nurture my mental well-being, and to embrace the power of positivity. Life will always present challenges, but it is up to us to choose how we respond to them. I now understand that by focusing on the positive, we can find strength in adversity, joy in the mundane, and growth in every experience.

The quote—life is a rollercoaster—suggests that just as a rollercoaster can evoke a range of emotions such as excitement, fear and anticipation, life also presents us with a mix of experiences and emotions. It highlights the ever-changing nature of life and reminds us that we can’t always control or predict what will happen next.

All those who are reading this, I encourage each one of you to embark on your own journey of self-discovery. Take the time to reflect on your thoughts, emotions and experiences. Embrace the power of focusing on the positive side of life. Let us cultivate resilience, nurture our mental well-being and find happiness in the smallest of moments. Together, let us make the choice to embrace positivity and make a lasting impact on ourselves and those around us.