How to Move Forward in Positivity: A Comprehensive Guide
By looking back on experiences that I thought of as negative and finding the positive, I have gained the resilience to see the sunshine through the rain, moving forward with motivation and encouragement.
*Affiliate disclosure.
Introduction to Personal Growth
From my personal experience, darlings, our lives are lived forward but understood backward.
You might not be able to grasp the magnitude of what I just wrote, because, until the past few months, I couldn’t have understood it either. You see, darlings, by good fortune I’ve found the missing link … it is all in understanding how you perceive your history. This takes much time and a new way of thinking. It is the key to blooming where you are planted, no matter what life throws at you. Because we are women over 50, our memories are a book of stories in our head. I have a new method for “reading” them.
Journaling is the secret of why I don’t get upset anymore. Journaling makes me incredibly self-aware. Writing is therapy. When you write you focus on detail. Additionally, journaling can help manage negative thoughts by allowing you to reframe and understand them better, fostering a sense of appreciation for your experiences and enhancing your emotional well-being.
It Takes Time to See How Our Lives are Lived Forward, But Understood Backward
I have little doubt that when you think about your past it comes into your mind in bits and pieces. An incident today evokes a memory of yesteryear. Your thoughts stir up emotions, but as quickly as they come in, they go out just as fast because what you’re doing right now takes precedence over the past.
Therein lies half of the problem.
You take little time to understand how your past and present become embedded with one another to create the “you” in you. I found the missing link because I have been writing down my stories. For over 10 years, I have gone back in time writing down my thoughts, which has naturally forced me to revisit and think hard about my past.
This process of writing and reflecting is a continuous journey of learning, helping you to grow and develop a more positive outlook on life.
By going through the stages of my life I found a secret that applies to all of us. This writing has taken a huge amount of my time, but it has brought me to positive conclusions I would otherwise never have reached. Positive self talk plays a crucial role in this process, helping to reframe past experiences and foster a positive mindset.
Understanding Positive Thinking
What is positive thinking?
Positive thinking is a mindset that focuses on the good and hopeful aspects of any situation. It’s a way of approaching life’s challenges with a productive and optimistic attitude, encouraging individuals to engage in healthier lifestyle choices and improved coping mechanisms. Positive thinking doesn’t mean ignoring life’s less pleasant situations, but rather approaching them in a more positive and productive way. By practicing positive thinking, individuals can develop a more optimistic outlook, improve their mental health, and increase their overall well-being.
The power of positive thinking
The power of positive thinking lies in its ability to transform one’s life. When individuals focus on the positive aspects of a situation, they begin to see opportunities for growth and development. Positive thinking can help individuals overcome negative self-talk, build self-confidence, and develop a more positive mindset. By incorporating positive thinking into their daily routine, individuals can experience a range of benefits, including reduced stress, improved mental health, and increased well-being, all of which contribute to a healthier and more fulfilling life.
Understanding the Impact of Negative Thinking
Negative thinking can profoundly impact your mental and emotional well-being, leading to increased stress, anxiety, and depression. It can also affect relationships, work performance, and overall quality of life, making it essential to address and overcome negative thinking patterns. Negative thinking can arise from various sources, including past experiences, negative self-talk, and pessimistic attitudes.
Overcoming negative thinking can be challenging, but it is possible with the right strategies and support, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy and positive psychology. Recognizing and challenging negative thoughts is a crucial step in overcoming negative thinking, and can be achieved through practices such as journaling and mindfulness. Surrounding yourself with positive and supportive people can also help counteract negative thinking and promote a more positive mindset.
Negative thinking can be a major obstacle to personal growth, but it can also be a catalyst for change and growth if addressed and overcome constructively. By understanding the impact of negative thinking, you can take the first step towards overcoming it and developing a more positive and resilient mindset. Although negative thinking can be a deeply ingrained habit, it can be broken with consistent effort and practice, leading to improved mental and emotional well-being. Overcoming negative thinking requires a commitment to self-awareness, self-reflection, and personal growth, but the benefits can be profound and lasting.
A New Method of Positive Thinking … Every Moment is Positive
The other half of the equation is the perception of how we “think” about our past. After hours of delving into my past I have come to realize that every single memory I have stored in my head, even the very worst, is positive. I would never have understood this if I had not lived backward.
I will give you an example:
When I was growing up in Kankakee by the Sea, I felt set apart from my classmates. As an adult I had no great love for my growing-up years. That is until I had written several stories about my experiences.
As a child, I hadn’t liked that set apart feeling so I tried harder. I wanted to feel my worth. I did not realize at the time I was developing a great emotional asset, resilience. I didn’t appreciate what I learned in Kankakee by the Sea until I had written about my experiences several times, and now I feel truly grateful for those lessons.
Identifying positive things in past experiences can help counter self-defeating beliefs and foster a more optimistic outlook.
And, I remember the day I looked up from my computer and stared out in space and it all registered and I said, out loud, “I love you Kankakee by the Sea!”
I would like you to look backward and think about your past and take a few experiences that you still see in a bad light. Now, look for the positivity you can take away from them. Like my experience you probably have seen them in a negative light, hidden away in your head, all these years.
But ask yourself, “Were they really negative?”
Thinking Positive About Your Past Gives You A Positive Outlook on the Present
I had an epiphany, a sudden insight into how one should see one’s past. It struck a profound chord in me like a full-blown Rachmaninoff Symphony! From that day forward, I knew I would always be visible, most importantly to myself.
Self-acceptance is crucial in building self-confidence and fostering a positive mindset. Recognizing one’s strengths and practicing positive thinking can lead to greater self-acceptance, ultimately enhancing emotional well-being and resilience.
Every experience we have lived through, every frightening fear, every disappointment, every failure, and every embarrassment. Every rejection, every unkind person who crossed our path, every lesson learned the hard way, should be looked at as a positive, a strength.
Going back to Kankakee by the Sea and my school years, I did not like it when kids were unkind to me. Without knowing this as a child, I was developing the ability to understand and share the feelings of others. It is called empathy. As an adult, I value my empathy for others. It gives me pleasure to help out, to listen and just be there. I feel happy.
How to Look Back and Seek Positivity
THOSE OF US WHO HAVE HAD TO WEATHER STORMS IN OUR LIVES MIGHT BE BETTER OFF FOR IT ESPECIALLY IF WE TURN BACK THE CLOCK AND ASK OURSELVES:
What can I take away from a negative experience in my life?
- Was it a character builder?
- Did I learn gratitude?
- Did I learn resilience?
- And, did I learn compassion or hope or self-confidence?
Reflecting on negative experiences can reveal valuable lessons and strengths that contribute to personal growth and resilience. I know we can be happier if we really see our past in a positive light. Or, we can be helpless and feel we have lost control of what happens to us. We have choices, darlings.
Reframing negative thoughts is crucial in this process. By shifting our mindset and focusing on the positive aspects, we can overcome the psychological factors contributing to negative thoughts.
I am writing from my experiences. Nothing more. I can only tell you how I feel after thinking hard about my past uncomfortable experiences.
I realize that difficult times do have positive outcomes. It takes personal power to shift your perspective. This will inject more optimism into your life and optimism will improve your wellbeing and quality of lifestyle.
SO, TAKE SOME TIME OUT OF YOUR DAY, DARLINGS, TO LIVE FORWARD, BUT UNDERSTAND, BACKWARD. IT WORKS, I SWEAR!!
The Importance of Positive Emotions
Positive emotions, such as joy, gratitude, and hope, play a crucial role in promoting mental and emotional well-being and are essential for achieving a positive and fulfilling life. They can help counteract negative emotions, such as anxiety and depression, and promote a more positive and resilient mindset. Positive emotions can be cultivated through practices such as mindfulness, meditation, and journaling, and can have a profound impact on overall well-being.
Positive emotions can also improve relationships, work performance, and overall quality of life, making them essential for achieving success and happiness. They can be a powerful tool for overcoming obstacles and challenges, helping individuals develop a more optimistic and hopeful outlook on life. By prioritizing positive emotions, you can create a more positive and supportive environment, promoting overall well-being and happiness.
Positive emotions can be contagious and have a positive impact on those around us, making them essential for building strong and supportive relationships. They can also improve physical health by reducing stress and promoting relaxation, having a profound impact on overall health and well-being. Positive emotions can be a major contributor to personal growth and development, helping individuals achieve their full potential and live a more fulfilling life. By cultivating positive emotions, you can create a more positive and resilient mindset, achieving lasting happiness and success.
Creating a Daily Routine for Positivity
Exercise regularly for a positive mindset
Exercise is a powerful tool for cultivating a positive mindset. Regular physical activity can help reduce stress, improve mood, and increase self-confidence, all of which are essential skills for maintaining a positive outlook. When individuals exercise regularly, they begin to feel more energized and motivated, which can have a positive impact on their overall well-being. By incorporating exercise into their daily routine, individuals can experience a range of benefits, including improved mental health, increased energy levels, and a more positive outlook.
In addition to exercise, individuals can also incorporate other activities into their daily routine to promote positivity. This can include practicing mindfulness, reading positive affirmations, and spending time with positive people. By making positivity a priority, individuals can experience a range of benefits that can improve their overall quality of life.
Some examples of daily routines that promote positivity include:
- Starting the day with a positive affirmation or mantra
- Practicing mindfulness or meditation to reduce stress and increase focus
- Engaging in regular exercise or physical activity to improve mood and energy levels
- Spending time with positive people who support and encourage
- Reading or listening to positive and uplifting content to promote a positive mindset
By incorporating these activities into their daily routine, individuals can experience a range of benefits that can improve their overall well-being and promote a positive mindset.
FEBRUARY 11, 2025
- Mary Jane Chapman says:
When my husband of 30 yrs. left suddenly, my best friend suggested I write my feelings down. I so wish I had! It would’ve been interesting to read now, 12 yrs. later, to see how far I’ve come. Also, it would’ve helped me to sort out all those feelings I was experiencing. Writing has become a lost art. I so enjoy reading all your posts! Thanks!
- Susan “Honey” Good says:
It is never to late to start. Keep a Journal write your feelings on your computer and save them. I am glad you have come far.Good girl!! I have, too. Warmly, Honey
- Susan “Honey” Good says:
- Evelyn Krieger says:
This is a wonderful post. I, too, have been rereading my journals from teen-age and young adult years. Looking backward, I not only have compassion for that troubled young woman but a better understanding of those whom she felt had wronged her. Your reflecitons, Honey, remind me of Jane Fonda’s idea of doing a Life Review as one approaches her second act of life. She has a detailed description of how she did this in her book Prime Time.
- Susan “Honey” Good says:
Thank you for your thoughts. You understand my message. I am a content woman and I know my Journaling helped me understand ‘me.’ I did not know about JF’s book. I will review. Warmly, Honey
- Susan “Honey” Good says:
- Emma Stacey says:
I love this post and I am encouraged to do more journaling. I have been struggling with events from the past recently. I would like to reframe them. It is wonderful to hear how it helps you. Journaling can act like therapy at times. As a 51 year old woman, I am very inspired by your blog in general. Thank you Honey.
- Susan Good says:
Thank you for the compliment. Journaling is therapeutic and after a time you will learn so much about yourself and your family. Keep it up. Warmly, Honey
- Susan Good says:
When my husband of 30 yrs. left suddenly, my best friend suggested I write my feelings down. I so wish I had! It would’ve been interesting to read now, 12 yrs. later, to see how far I’ve come. Also, it would’ve helped me to sort out all those feelings I was experiencing. Writing has become a lost art.
I so enjoy reading all your posts! Thanks!
It is never to late to start. Keep a Journal write your feelings on your computer and save them. I am glad you have come far.Good girl!! I have, too. Warmly, Honey
This is a wonderful post. I, too, have been rereading my journals from teen-age and young adult years. Looking backward, I not only have compassion for that troubled young woman but a better understanding of those whom she felt had wronged her. Your reflecitons, Honey, remind me of Jane Fonda’s idea of doing a Life Review as one approaches her second act of life. She has a detailed description of how she did this in her book Prime Time.
Thank you for your thoughts. You understand my message. I am a content woman and I know my Journaling helped me understand ‘me.’ I did not know about JF’s book. I will review. Warmly, Honey
I love this post and I am encouraged to do more journaling. I have been struggling with events from the past recently. I would like to reframe them. It is wonderful to hear how it helps you. Journaling can act like therapy at times. As a 51 year old woman, I am very inspired by your blog in general. Thank you Honey.
Thank you for the compliment. Journaling is therapeutic and after a time you will learn so much about yourself and your family. Keep it up. Warmly, Honey