Day Seventeen- Accentuate the Positive

“You've got to accentuate the positive
Eliminate the negative
Latch on to the affirmative
Don't mess with Mister In-Between.”

This little song popped into my head this morning while I was sorting out some paperwork that I forgot to take care of last week. My mom used to sing this to me whenever I was feeling low. Published in 1944, the lyrics by Johnny Mercer were reportedly inspired by a sermon. This clever turn of phrase is a great reminder to choose to be positive.

Why be positive? There are lots of benefits. Positive people tend to be healthier and live longer lives. They have happier, more fulfilling relationships. They often experience greater professional success.  In general, research indicates that positive people simply enjoy life more than negative people.

Positivity is a conscious decision.  I wish I could tell you that I am a naturally optimistic person, but I’m not.  I tend to be a glass-half-empty kinda gal. I can be critical and I tend to expect the worst. I have to remind myself every day to choose to be positive. John 10:10 says “The thief’s purpose is to steal and kill and destroy. My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life.” Jesus didn’t come so that we could have awful lives. He came so that we could have “rich and satisfying” lives! The choice is ours.

All too often there are outside sources of negativity that we need to consider eliminating. Twenty-four-hour news channels and social media bombard us from all directions with negative reports.  If you really want to “eliminate the negative,” then carefully consider the media that you are consuming on a regular basis. Maybe it’s time to change your diet and focus on the good things that are happening in the world. 

It might also be time for you to examine the negative people in your life. The whiners. The complainers. The doomsdayers. The ones who leave you feeling exhausted rather than refreshed.  Maybe it’s time that you put some clear boundaries in place in these relationships. Surround yourself with people who are encouraging, hopeful, and optimistic. They will leave you feeling energized!

Philippians 4:8 tells us “And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.” A simple change in focus can help bring a positive outlook.

Another little song about being positive comes from one of my favorites- Monty Python! It’s a bit irreverent, but it’s so catchy and has a great sentiment. “Always look on the bright side of life.” 

Try changing your tune and sing a happy, positive song today. “Don’t mess with Mister In-Between!”