The new year is right around the corner: are you positive about 2019 or are you scared and worried about it?
Perhaps you're somewhere in the middle, and I suspect most people are.
And probably the most important thing to take into 2019 is a deeper leaning into the positive.
Empirical research shows us that, unquestionably the attitude we take into a situation can be the single most defining element of its result.
A positive, hopeful attitude will help us endure suffering, overcome challenges, it makes hospital stays shorter, and generally we will be happier people.
A negative attitude will look at challenges as depressing, victories as suspicious, it will make us angrier quicker, and lead to an overall less enjoyable life.
Two things:
There are precious few things in life that we can change-
We know that nearly everything we have can be taken from us- often, in the blink of an eye.
Yet the one thing we can change, and the one thing that can never be taken away from us is our hopeful and positive attitude.
And we have this because we know God.
At Christmas we remember this great gift that God has given us, that God is present in our hearts to help us take on life’s difficulties - to give us strength to reach outside of ourselves and help others - and to attain our best selves - which is always in giving - and this fills our souls with gratitude.
A day does not go by and which we don't thank God for our health, our wealth, our families, our vocations - the list is nearly endless.
Having a positive attitude is a choice.
And we have plenty of sensible reasons to cultivate one.
So let's let our attitude be fueled by the gratefulness - it will make us more positive - and let's take that into 2019 and see if this can't be our best year ever.
