I’ve been asked this question a lot throughout my life, especially in the last couple of years. I’ve always been known as the kid who never stops smiling. Which I suppose is not such a bad thing to be known for. For as long as I remember I’ve had such a positive outlook on everything in life, and there isn’t much that seems to be able to bring me down. Or at least keep me down. Even through all the heartbreaks and tragedies I’ve had to endure, I still bounce right back with an enthusiastic smile, ready to take on whatever life throws at me next. But how?
I think it all stems from a solid worldly awareness and understanding of perspective. I know without a shadow of a doubt that no matter how bad things seem to get for me, someone out there has it much worse than me. After all, my life hasn’t been that bad. I mean, look at me now: I’m a pretty darn healthy, 26 year old white kid, who sells Porsches for a living. It could be much worse. I know my place in the world, and I consider myself awfully damn lucky to be where I am today.
Another thing I do is I ensure that I am doing at least one thing every single day that I absolutely love. Whether it be making “my” younger siblings laugh, or going to watch a sunset, or talking to an old friend. Those types of things need to be done everyday. I go on bigger adventures as often as possible, but I need something to fill the gaps in between. Physical activity plays a huge role on your overall mental state, so make sure you break your habit of work, dinner, tv, bed every once in a while. I like to mix it up and go rock climbing, or bomb around on my nickel board, or even go throw my boomerangs (yes, they really come back.) Taking even just a few minutes each day to release that inner child in you does wonders for your well being. Trust me.
I’m also a student of life, and I love learning. Every experience I have, whether it be positive or negative, is a learning point for me. It can be something as mundane as how to keep a hard taco shell from busting apart upon first bite, to something as life altering as how to stand up for myself when I’m being treated in ways I shouldn’t be. See, I’m trying to better myself every single day. Not just for myself either. I do it for my future self, my future wife, my future family, for the betterment of my friends around me. For a lot of reasons. And I find it so interesting to look back at how far I’ve come. It’s humbling, and makes me proud of myself.
Another thing that makes it so easy for me to stay positive all the time is the fact that I know when to speak up and ask for help. I’m not too proud to do it. I’m not fearful of how people might react. I just do it. I take ownership of my mental state, because I know that my mind is the foundation of my being. And if that becomes compromised, the rest of me becomes compromised. Being that I tend to view everything in life starting at it’s core (foundation), I’m aware of when things need to be taken care of. And I’m very thankful that I have people in my life who make it so easy to open up and discuss any issues I might have.
That kind of brings me to the last point. Just be thankful. Keep a gratitude journal. You’ll start to realize how many little things that you have going your way in life, and how blessed you are to just simply exist. Also, when you start oozing out positivity into those around you, they’ll start oozing positivity right back at you. It’s sort of a domino effect. You know that old saying, “I’m rubber and you’re glue. Whatever you say bounces off of me and back to you!”? Think of that, but not so literally, or immature.
I could probably go on and on about all of this and write a much better and elaborate piece for you guys. But it’s getting late and I have a stupid sales meeting to attend first thing in the morning, so I’m ending it here. Plus everybody is different, and needs to handle things their own way. So please don’t take this as a strict guide to solve your negative demeanor. Find your own way. If you want to discuss this any further, please reach out to me. Also, if you don’t have anyone to lean on and open up to about what’s going on in your life, reach out to me. I’ve always been a sort of therapist for all of my friends, and it’s something I love doing. So don’t hesitate.
And as always, if you’re not following me on Instagram, go take care of that: @whiteythitey