Keeping my spirit alive...

[GaryD]

It occurred to me that my dominant tendency leans toward negativity and over-focusing on "what isn't." I got it that my spirit (hope, optimism, & faith)
needs regular, frequent, and consistent nourshment and tending. I do this by spending time with people, reading, and engaging in work and activities (such as what I'm doing right now) that feed my spirit. It's just like exercise...if you don't use it, you lose it!

I'd love to hear your thoughts.

Gary D.

[cdn2wheeler]

I know what you mean. I've got that dominant tendency too but it's coming along.

The words you chose - regular, frequent, and consistent nourshment and tending - go to the heart of it. It's a bit like coaxing flowers to grow.

[rene_stpierre]

I have adopted an "attitude of gratitude". Every night when I go to bed, I sincerely express gratitude for everything I have in my life and for my life in general. This brings a feeling of wellbeing and has really helped me get rid of my negative thoughts.

Since I have started this a few months ago, I feel more positive and happier.

René

[nick pagan]

My own personal theory on emotions is that they arise out of the perceived difference between what we desire and what we result we get in reality. If we exceed our desire then we feel positive emotions. If we fail to fulfill our desire then we feel negative emotions. If you consistently tend towards feeling negative then it is because you consistently set desires and expectations for yourself that you fail to fulfill (hence the focus on what you haven't got as you feel negative emotion from that deficit).

The way to consistently feel positive and to feel good about what you have is to manage your desires very carefully so that, more often than not, you fulfill them. This revelation has worked wonders in my life. You can read a brief synopsis here: Fundamental Emotion

Nick