Keep on the Sunny Side
“Keep on the sunny side, always on the sunny side,
Keep on the sunny side of life;
It will help us every day, it will brighten all the way,
If we keep on the sunny side of life.”
This is the chorus to an old song, but it is still oh so powerful to this day and a good reminder for us all. As I type these words and look out the window, it’s cloudy. BUT regardless of the weather, I’m choosing to keep on the sunny side anyways! You see, keeping on the sunny side actually has nothing to do with the weather and everything to do with perspective— To me, it means that despite negative situations, conflict or bad news, we can choose to “keep on the sunny side” and not allow ourselves to feel drained, hopeless, angry or anxious.
I realize it’s not always easy, but we have the power to choose to keep on the sunny side EVEN on the days when we don’t feel like it! That’s when it’s the most rewarding. My friend, I’m not perfect in always choosing a positive outlook, but here’s a few things that help me:
Choose to respond to negative situations instead of reacting.
Take a deep breath, say a little prayer, put down your phone, turn off the television, remove yourself from that thing or situation that is causing you to feel angry, overwhelmed, negative and anxious
Take a walk or go workout
Focus on 3 things you’re thankful for at that moment
And in addition, and arguably most importantly— STOP giving your power over to other people!
When we allow other people’s actions to affect our mood or ruin our day, we give it over to them! One little offense from another person is NOT enough to take away the joy and the sunshine from our day! It’s very empowering when you take it back! I know it’s not always easy, but you can do it! For me, I pray and ask God to come right in the middle of the situation; I ask for his presence to rise up because I know when I’m in His presence there is fullness of JOY!