Banning the Negative

Can you imagine a world in which there was no negativity? Now, we are not talking about a world without legitimate sadness or anger. But we are talking about a world in which there were no put-downs, no belittling of ourselves or others, no withering remarks, no name calling, no free-floating hostility, no power-tripping, no insults, no bigotry or intolerance.

That’s a pretty tall order, isn’t it – even to imagine such a place? So, let’s back it up a little and try another question. Can you imagine your own life without any negativity? Maybe that’s a pretty tall order, too. So how about this: What would it be like to go through one entire day and night without any negativity?

Yes, we are talking about a 24-hour period during which you stop yourself from doing any negative thinking or behaving whatsoever. No put-downs, no sarcasm, no teasing or belittling of others or yourself. Some of you have probably done this – or tried this – before, with varying results. However, it bears repeating every so often. With the onslaught of negative news on TV, radio, newspapers, blogs, social media sites – and let’s face it, this last year has been a bit of a trial – it can be pretty easy to slip into a “negativity sinkhole.”

We all can fall into the trap of negative thinking, especially if we are not watching for it. When we do look, the results are usually pretty powerful. First of all, we become aware of the amount of negative thinking we routinely do. Then, we realize that negative thinking really is something that can be brought under control, with a little practice. And finally, we experience again how good it feels when the negativity stops.

Why not try it yourself? No negative thinking for 24 hours. You can start right now! There is no time like the present . . . and all of us could probably use the break.