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Apr 17

Staying Positive When the Universe Tests You

  “Always look at what you have left.  Never look at what you have lost.” – Robert H. Schuller

Alright, I’ll just say it… today sucked. Bad. Last night I was up most of the night with a bad stomach bug, which involved nausea, stomach cramps, fever, and other “issues”. Even though I felt horrible, I was determined to push through and go into work today, because I am finally getting caught up. Well, the universe had other plans. On my way into work my car overheated, and it appears there will be a hefty repair bill in order.

Several hours at the dealership, and dealing with various technicians regarding what would, and what would not, be covered under warranty, made for a long and taxing morning/afternoon. Although, I had plenty of reasons to get bent out of shape and angry, I was determined to stay as upbeat as possible.

I am a huge believer in staying positive, even when the universe seems to test your moxie. After all, getting angry and upset at the stomach virus, or my car, would not improve my situation, I just needed to roll with the punches. While some events and situations from today might have stunk, it doesn’t mean that my attitude has to, nor does it mean that my life is bad. Instead of focusing on the negative, I focused on the many good things in my life, especially my wonderful family.

This evening my son and I enjoyed some quality time together, we played with bubbles, hit some baseballs around, played with our rabbits, and climbed some trees in the backyard. These are the moments when I know how lucky and blessed I am, and no matter what the universe throws at me, I’m thankful.

Practical Tip: When times get tough and you are having a bad day, instead of focusing on what has gone wrong, choose two things that you are thankful for. This way your positive to negative ratio always tips to the positive side. 😀

 

 

 

 
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26 comments

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  1. Teri Karl

    I’m right with you on this!

  2. Morgan Mussell

    Not easy at all to stay positive in the thick of the storm – thanks for your inspiring story.

    1. Jason E. Marshall

      You’re very welcome Morgan! When I write I always hope to help or inspire someone!

  3. erranttranscendentalist

    What a sweet and handsome young man!!! Gratitude is the best medicine, isn’t it? And, what a beautiful reason to be grateful.

    1. Jason E. Marshall

      Thank you! He is a handful, but he is truly a blessing and inspiration to me!

  4. Jessica J Marshall

    This too shall pass and we will still be happy together.

    1. Jason E. Marshall

      Very true! No matter how crappy a single day may be, I am blessed to have your support and love in my life! 😀

  5. kat204@msn.com

    Thank you Jason. I needed to read that today.

    1. Jason E. Marshall

      You’re very welcome! I hope that you have a great day!

  6. Michael R. Moniz

    Really good message. I was and still am at times a negative person, but through the help of friends and reading “expert” oppinions on developing a quality life, being grateful is certainly a theme that can get you threw a tough day and times

    1. Jason E. Marshall

      I’m glad that you enjoyed this post. I disclaim any expertise, I am merely a spiritual seeker, who tries to be the best person I can be, and enjoy my life as much as possible. Thank you for your comments!

  7. Wyletter Whaley

    I love your practical tip. Focusing on what you’re thankful for when things are challenging helps.

  8. aleafinspringtime

    I like that practical tip! Positive ratio tips the negative ratio! A wonderful imagery to have! Have a great blessed day to you and your dear family! Sharon

    1. Jason E. Marshall

      Thank you Sharon! I have really enjoyed your comments, as well as your blog! Thank you for your support!

  9. Sunshine

    Wonderful post even though you had to rough it so we could have it . . . 🙂
    One of my favorite sayings when life gets sticky is, “smile and the world smiles with you!” Things usually fall into better perspectives after I put it into action. 🙂
    Thanks, and thanks for the visit earlier. *smiling*

  10. Cara Olsen

    Hi Jason,

    So, so sorry to hear you were taken under the weather. Getting sick, especially when there are “important” things to be done, is terribly frustrating. I am, however, so glad to see that even amid the vexing universe, you were able to allow God to use that seemingly hapless moment to spend quality time with your beautiful son. It never ceases to amaze me, His capacity to turn bad things into Good graces.

    Blessings,
    Cara

  11. Ganesh

    Excellent (B+)! Thanks for liking and following my blog. 🙂

  12. Lilly Sue

    It is hard when life seems to keep pushing you down. I am glad you were able to keep your head high. Bubbles and bunnies sound like a good solution 🙂

    Thanks for checking out my blog!

  13. philosophermouseofthehedge

    Bubbles and bunnies – couldn’t ask for abetter way to soothe the rough edges.

    1. Jason E. Marshall

      Absolutely! Sometimes it is the small things that lift the soul. Thank you for commenting!

  14. earthslang

    Amazing how positive thinking can improve our happiness and outlook. Thanks for reminding us!

  15. Colin in Laupahoehoe

    Agreed, stay positive! And hey, climbing trees with bubbles and bunnies sure can’t hurt 🙂

  16. Zen and Genki

    Look at that face!! What a sweetie!

  17. ssaluja2

    Jason – thanks for visiting thenewvernacular! Interesting stuff you have here – and a handsome little boy as well!

  18. The Blazing Trail

    Very practical

  19. yazrooney

    I like your approach to life. For me, staying positive means allowing myself to be miserable and grim, but seeing the value of the lesson. Being grateful for everything also means being grateful for the misery life brings. Tough approach, but it lifts all of it somehow. Lots of love, Yaz

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