May is Mental Health Awareness Month.

Once upon a time, when the COVID-19 pandemic occupied a sizeable portion of our focus, the idea of thinking positively seemed a lost cause (if not impossible). Although we’re years past the onset of that global event, some mental and emotional impacts linger. Staying positive has taken some punches.

But there are components to thinking positively, utilized when things seem at their worst. You can think positively (or try to) amidst everyday turmoil. So, from that perspective, an approach to remaining positive amidst the chaos of daily life…

Life’s Not a Beach

Follow this “turmoil-is-life” type scenario: from the new assignment at work giving you a headache, to the argument with your partner still unresolved, to the bill that’s due with no immediate way to pay, to, well, you can pile on life’s other not-nice surprises respectively.

Okay. So, everything you’ve tried lately to try balancing life’s wrongs has backfired. Very little has gone according to plan. The stress seems mountainous and unending. You’re at the end of your rope, having no idea what it’ll take to make things right. You’d like a glimmer of good news for a change. Pissed with the world, you’re not interested in people telling you to think positively. If anything, you’re positive harm will come to them—if they don’t get out of your face.

Given the consensus of all the self-help gurus on the web and not, you realize you have to find some way to be optimistic. But faced with such a bleak scenario (which doesn’t seem to be improving), how is that possible?

Finding the Bright Side

Truth is, even in the grimmest situations, you can keep a bright side in focus, and think positively. It’s not something straightforward or easy or even something you’ll even feel like doing if you’re in a cycle of despair. But let’s look at some ways to manage thinking positively despite it all.

First, separate the problem from the person (you). Understand, you’re special and all, but, as the saying goes: life happens—these problems could’ve happened with anyone (and probably has on some level). You’re the center of your universe but not the universe. Remember, everyone has limitations, whether mental, physical, social, financial.

With all that’s happening around you, creating personal havoc and unsettledness making you stressed, you are certainly in the wrong place at the wrong time. And, as misery loves company, know that others are suffering, too—in their respective way. While no one is suggesting reveling in another’s unhappiness, realizing the universality of life’s challenges, makes things seem less daunting.

Seeing Through Rose-colored … Bifocals

After drawing some positivity from realizing you aren’t alone, try analyzing the specifics of what went wrong. Consider any precipitating factors. Analyzing doesn’t mean dwelling on all the negative. A picture slowly emerges as you ponder those things leading to your circumstances (and factors continuing to contribute). Areas where taking certain actions (to begin resolving the problem(s)) become clearer. Again, we’re talking about the everyday stuff seeming too much—not major challenges unforeseen or beyond your control.

Finding Room for Improvement

When you’re navigating a rough period, however difficult, the key rests with the resolution, the steps you’ve identified to help solve the problem(s). Understanding how to improve your situation creates a sense of optimism—all hope is not lost. With a solution (or several solutions) at hand and a bit of optimism beginning to bubble, you’re equipped for turmoil reduction.

Stay focused on achieving results. Levels of depression and frustration over what’s happening are understandable and expected, but remaining in a fog of depression and blame, brooding over coulda-woulda-shouldas, isn’t beneficial.  Alternatively, working your steps toward resolution while embracing the correlating optimism can work wonders because you’re distracted from the negative in a good way.

Keep on Truckin’ …

Lastly, remember: life moves on. Very little in the world is worth sitting and brooding over. You may have people in your corner, empathizing and sympathizing, providing emotional support. But that support may wane if you’re never showing signs of proactivity and resilience and only gloom-and-doom. Losing such support would only aggravate matters. You shouldn’t suppress your disappointment and frustration—just don’t live in it.

There’s some truth to the power of positive thinking, so accept its power and implement it daily. The contagious mindset will keep you moving forward and beyond the turmoil.

Oh, and hey, check out my very fictional fiction series centering around the cases/clients of psychiatrist Dr. Naomi Alexander. Believe me, there’s plenty turmoil going on. Right here.

Until next time, stay serif.