Let me explain by giving you a quick exercise ….. think about the most
miserable time of your life, a time when something happened that, at the
time, made your whole world seem blacker than the ace of spades.
Now, here's a question for you to answer: What was the most positive
outcome of that event?

Here's an example from my life: when my sons were aged about eleven
and nine, we had a car accident – which put me in bed for almost two
months. A black time, definitely, BUT – all the stories I'd ever
made up for my boys finally made it to paper … and that started me on
the path of being a writer. A great result!

I have found this to be a truth throughout my life. No matter how dark
things seem to be, there's always a great result …. eventually!

So, back to the exercise – did you find a positive outcome develop
from your most miserable/sad/upsetting time?
Positive outcomes, by the way, can be just about anything. If your
long-term relationship breaks up, the outcome could be that you learn to
stand up for yourself. Very often, relationship break-ups allow us to
grow … in self-esteem, in self-confidence, and self-respect.
Like me, you may have found yourself on a new career path.

As a positive thinker you will always be able to find something good in
the bad, and something positive in the negative – even if it isn't
obvious at the time!

I hope you've come to realize at this point that being positive
isn't just an attitude, IT'S A WAY OF LIFE.
Just think what a world we could be living in if everyone lived a
positive life. No-one would have anything to complain about, for a
start!

There are a couple of interesting side effects to being a positive
person – for one, will always see the good in people. And if you
can't see it immediately, you'll actively look for it.
When you see the good in people, you help bring out the best in them …
and they will reciprocate with the way they deal with you. It's a
win-win situation for everyone!

The second is that you empower each and every one of the "Golden
Rules" – and the more you empower them, the more positive you
become. The more positive you become, the more you empower the Golden
Rules. The more you empower the Golden Rules ……
It's a great roundabout to be riding!

I found a great poem by William Arthur Ward entitled Look for the Good
and Praise It – which encompasses the sentiments of the Golden Rules.
I hope you like it, too.

In everything the good is there; our goal is to find it.
In every person the best is there; our job is to recognize it.
In every situation the positive is there; our opportunity is to see it.
In every problem the answer is there; our responsibility is to provide
it.

In every setback the victory is there; our task is to claim it.
In every adversity the blessing is there; our adventure is to discover
it.

In every crisis the reason is there; our challenge is to understand it.
Be different, be original, be unique …
Look for the good and praise it!

About the author: Barbara Rose is a mentor, coach, teacher and
alternative therapist who specializes in helping people reach their
potential at all levels (spiritual, emotional, mental, and physical).
Please visit www.barbaras-library.com for a complete list of Barbara's
articles and books. To find out more about Barbara please go to
www.barbara-rose.name.