Living in Increase (Part 11) - Increase in JoySample

Week 1: Attitude

It's the Little Things

Life is hard, and negativity is ready to be our first attitude in the morning. Sometimes, it is easier to react negatively, especially when things don’t seem to go our way. Have you ever had one of those days when one bad thing after another happens? You wake up late, spill coffee on your brand-new shirt, get stuck in traffic, get to work late, trip on the way in, and drop everything. Then lunch rolls around, and you realize you forgot your lunch. Your whole day is ruined! You can’t catch a break--and it’s like Monday all over again. You can’t seem to find the joy in the midst of it all.

Positive thinking is not easy, but when we respond to stressful situations with a positive attitude, we gain control of our minds and avoid being consumed by negativity. When confronted with a no-good, terrible day, we should think about what we are thankful for--anything worthy of praise. You woke up late, but you woke up. You spilled coffee on your new shirt but have other shirts to wear. You got stuck in traffic, but you have a car. You got to work late but made it there alive and well. Tripping and then dropping everything wasn’t fun, but someone was there to offer you a hand and help you up. Forgetting your lunch seemed like the icing on the cake, but you wouldn’t have asked your coworker to lunch and made their day if you had your lunch.

Having a positive attitude is more than looking on the bright side or looking for silver linings; it is being genuinely thankful to God for all the blessings He gives us daily.

Monica Barnes

Action Step: When negative thoughts arise today, redirect those thoughts and choose a positive attitude. Find something to be thankful for in every situation.