By Jenni Haswell

We are bombarded every day with negativity. In this world that we live in, how do we stay optimistic? How do we remain positive? Perhaps most importantly, how do we teach the children in our lives to stay positive, too?

I think our strongest weapon against negativity is our words. I've learned that the words I say to myself will affect me. The words I allow to enter my ears and my heart will affect me. If I wake up in the morning and my first thought is how I don’t want to go to work and face the stress that I know will be there...guess what? I'm stressed all day and have a terrible day at work. But if I wake up and tell myself that no matter what happens today, I will get through it and I will give 100%...my day is much better. It doesn't mean it's any less busy or any less stressful, but my reaction and emotions to the day are drastically different.

Of course, those are things that are sometimes much easier to say than to believe. So what are some ways to help? Here are some things I do:

There is certain music I won't listen to. Whenever I listen to it, I find that it just puts me in a bad mood. Why listen to music that puts me in a bad mood? So I don't. Same thing with TV shows and movies. If I know I don’t like a show or movie because of things like violence, I won’t watch them.

I have post-it notes all around the mirror in my bathroom. On those notes are quotes, words people have said to me, or even something as simple as the word "beautiful.”  These remind me to stay positive.

I keep positive people in my life. I have friends and family that are always encouraging me and challenging me to be the best person I can be. Negative people? Take their words with a grain of salt. Don't let their negativity bring you down!

Lastly, I have an encouragement journal. In this book I have cards that people have sent me. I have written out messages that people have sent me by email or Facebook. It's filled with words of encouragement from those I love. It has lyrics to amazing songs. It has quotes from people all over the world and throughout history. Every time I hear or read something that encourages me, it's written in that book.

I recently asked one of my best friends, "When it comes to positivity, what is something you wish to teach your kids?" Her answer: "Words matter...you can choose to speak life over people and situations or you can speak death. Choosing to speak life, no matter what, the outcome will ultimately result in you being a more positive person."

She hit the nail on the head. Choose to speak life.

Jenni currently lives in Battle Creek, Michigan. She is an Auntie By Relation to 1 niece and 1 nephew, an Auntie By Choice to 4 nieces, 4 nephews, and many more to come! She has a degree in Music Ministry, was a missionary for 3 years, and serves at her local church. When she's not working, she is either spending time with the kids in her life (whether in person, Facebook, or texting) or enjoying some down time and watching Doctor Who.

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Published: March 3, 2015