How do you guys keep positive?

[LeoC]

When loneliless or sadness come, you can try this exercise:
first aknowledge it, if you also fear it will grow stronger (like, "oh no, here comes this feeling again"), then for some seconds "feel" your fear (literally also, feel your guts, dont leave it at saying "oh, im scared", but feel it). Then focus on some physical sensation, on your breathing, your right hand, on wathever can anchor you to the present moment for some time, and for no reason let yourself think about anything else. If and when a thought comes to disturb you, repeat the same procedure. Do it at least until you can keep focus on that body sensation for 10 seconds or more. Try not to be eager to shake your feelings, just try to "stare them at the face for some seconds", then fully focus on the body sensation. You will have plenty of "depressive thoughts", but this way they wont trigger others. Of course you will have many, anyway, cause your mind has grown used this way. You cant stop them, just accept it, that's who you are now. If you want to change, also aknowledge that wish, but dont let it divert your attention. If at the end of the day you feel like looking back and saying "this was a better (or worst) day than usual", do it but keep staring at the though, not getting carried away by it, it should dissolve fast, or you can once again start the exercise. Keep doing it for days and weeks. When you are with other people, forget it, be normal. Using the breath to anchor your attention is the best way for some. Cheers.

 

[JuiceB]

I would have thought that joking around/sarcasm is being positive. I mean when i am at work and i see people joking around, being playful then its them being almost overly positive and cheery. So that's something i struggle at, joking around amongst other people, because of shyness. Sometimes i do though, i'll laugh at the sarcasm/joking around, but instigating the humour? not easy for me.

That's how I try to be positive but there's always "that something" that takes it all away. Sometimes it would be a thought in the back of my head that's constantly worrying me or perhaps seeing something on TV or girls/guys chatting it up on the corner, living their lives and having fun. Once it happens my good mood automatically falls and the negative side takes over.

As far as the joking goes, the only person who laughs at my jokes is me.

 

[Invisibleman]

Staying away from SPW.

 

[OceanMist]

I don't try to see things in a positive light or negative light. I try to view the world in a realistic light.

 

[psych]

On my darkest days, I will put on some stand up comedy, or any tv show that makes me laugh. I'll typically pick a cynic, like George Carlin, or Lewis Black...
Laughter is healing and sends your endorphins in an upward spike. Sometimes, it is literally the best thing you can do for yourself.

 

[OceanMist]

On my darkest days, I will put on some stand up comedy, or any tv show that makes me laugh. I'll typically pick a cynic, like George Carlin, or Lewis Black...
Laughter is healing and sends your endorphins in an upward spike. Sometimes, it is literally the best thing you can do for yourself.

True that. Love me some stand-up.

 

[Sacrament]

Staying away from SPW.

Some will see this as a joke, but it's very true. This place can be really depressing, really dark. It's kind of necessary, because people can vent and find others that feel the same way, but there's just so much negativity here.

At some point, I'd avoid SPW like the plague, because it really made me feel worse. But I'm in a better place right now, and it doesn't really get to me. Plus, at least I can try and share some knowledge/insight into helping some of you guys.