A Guest Post on Positivity

So today I am sharing with you a guest post written by my friend Irma and I hope you enjoy her words of wisdom.

Positivity. What is positivity?(Insert sarcasm here) I think everyone in this generation has some sense of the word. It means happiness and good vibes right? (what does that even mean?)

I think everyone in this generation has some sense of the word. It means happiness and good vibes right? (what does that even mean?)

I have been on a journey, and have been learning the power of positivity, but not necessarily in the way you might think.

There are two types of positivity: with and without realism. Let me elaborate.

The former is what we constantly see. Its intentions are good, very honorable. It is colorful and bright, with words like “express yourself!” and “You’re enough!”

Now before I start a blow up online I would like to say that I believe in these things. But without context and without anything deeper, they leave us void and meaningless. They are pretty words without depth, blind to the pain and brokenness of the world that we live in.

“If we’re going to fight a disease let’s fight one of the most terrible diseases of all… indifference.”   -Robin Williams (as Patch Adams)

I came across a tribute video to Robin Williams the other day, with some of his famous movie quotes. I quite like the one above.

Positivity with realism. Now that is a challenge. But this is real positivity, it is what we call Joy. It is able to look into the world, see the despair, the hurt, the brokenness and the pain. It does not refute the fact that there are wars, starving people, and women being raped. It acknowledges the presence of the evil in the world and yet looks beyond. Joy chooses to stand in the face of fear and darkness, and say no. Not today. There is still goodness, and I choose to hope. It is having the ability to see the terrible things and yet still be kind, still be encouraging, still be happy, and still have compassion, instead of sinking into despair.

Positivity is not the absence of negativity. It is standing in the midst of it and choosing who you want to be.

 

Here is a snippet about Irma’s blog from her ‘About’ page:

 Life is a crazy beautiful ride, and every day is a new adventure. I’m excited to share with you all that God is teaching me, as well as the crazy, random moments of my daily life. This blog is a hodge podge of the things that make me, well… me. My hope is that in it you will be encouraged, inspired and that you’ll go out and share your own story.

You can check out Irma’s blog by clicking HERE.

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Don’t Fret Over The Unexpected

It might be more than you ever hoped for…

Whoever finds me gets virtual brownies!

Don’t fret over what plans didn’t happen. Thinking back on Grad and this year so far, I realize (while discussing school related things with my boyfriend) that if my graduation hadn’t been moved an extra year so many things wouldnt have happened. Originally I was supposed to be in the Centre For Learning At Home Class of 2015 but because of a failed math class and a confusing and mixed up list of what courses I needed to finish school on time, things were bumped and switched around and it was arranged for me to be in the wonderful Class of 2016. (A group of 67 people) Aside from meeting and getting to know many of the people I graduated with there are many things I realize may never have been possible had the unexpected changes and turns (like my Graduation being bumped from 2015 to 2016) like:

I still may not have met my (now) boyfriend at this point and he most certainly wouldn’t have been my grad date and I his.

 

I may not have discovered the amazing writing group I am a part of.

I may not have had the opportunity to Nanny one of the most precious 8 year old boys I’ve ever met for a few months.

I may not have met new people at church or my friends from school had I graduated in 2015

and SOOOOO many more amazing things. Major life events or even just the little things like spending the day at the mall with my friend Laticia who I may have never met because our being in the same Grad Class together. Or going to YC this year with some amazing friends!

But now, I’ve Graduated, met many amazing people , gotten a waitressing job I love, had a possible college opportunity open for me for a course I’ve wanted to do for a few years,  became a youth leader and many more things (over the last month especially that I’ll share in other posts)! All things that might not have ever happened if certain things in my life had gone the way I wanted them to.

I might sound like a repetitive and broken record here so basically, my point is. Don’t fret or worry about how things may not have gone how you wanted because you honesty never know what could come from those ‘unexpected change of plans.’ It might be amazing and beautiful things that come from it.

 

PHILIPPIANS 4:6-7  (ESV)

6 do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.