Pass the honey, honey

I've been thinking a lot on perspective, maintaining a positive mindset, and being thankful lately-- and thanks to a friend's thought-provoking blog this morning on the art of remembering--realize that a key to staying positive is reminding ourselves of the good in our lives, in the midst of rough times. It's not easy to do. We all have our stressors that cause us to lose perspective. What are yours? Mine are finances -- when those are on shaky ground, I quickly and easily forget all the good things going on in my world. For some of us it is health, or parenting struggles, or being single, or ____ (fill in the blank). It's not that these issues aren't real, tough, and painful, because they are, but should they trump all other good things in our life?

And our addiction to social media doesn't help.  It's easy if we're not careful to come down with the Grass Is Greener Syndrome, a life-sucking disease that causes anger, victimization, jealousy, and depression.

 Sometimes we need a little help with our realistic optimism, a competency of emotional intelligence. I know I forget far too easily and quickly all the good things going on in my life when a crisis arises, and the encouraging words of a friend (or stranger even) are all it takes to help me find perspective again. When we get blinded by stress and struggles, often those around us can still see clearly, better than we can ourselves.

That being said, I want to encourage you to take a moment today and share with someone one positive thing you like or appreciate about their life on their FB wall, LinkedIn profile, in a text, or a phone call -- or imagine this -- face to face. You may think, "Ah, they already know that" -- but you never know if this is a day they need a little encouragement, or, they may just not see what you see.

Keeping a positive perspective is a key to life satisfaction and your words may be just the sugar someone needs today. There is so much truth in this proverb: "Kind words are like honey--sweet to the soul and healthy for the body." And I think that applies both to the receiver and the giver of kind words.

"When you encourage others, you in the process are encouraged because you're making a commitment and difference in that person's life. Encouragement really does make a difference." --Zig Ziglar

 So spread a little honey today! You words may turn around someone's world today, and you may be surprised at another's positive perspective on your own life.