Here’s a rewritten version of your blog post, incorporating your brand voice and purpose:
Letting Go of Negativity: Cultivating a Life of Encouragement and Growth
If you’ve ever thought of yourself as someone who tries to uplift others, focusing on solutions rather than problems, you’re certainly not alone. I’ve always seen myself that way too. However, after my husband and I retired from a school system that had become draining and disheartening, we both realized we were still carrying around a great deal of bitterness and frustration. It became clear that, despite our best efforts to be positive, we had accumulated unresolved resentment—resentment that was influencing how we saw the world.
It didn’t take long for me to recognize that this bitterness was not unique to us. Many of those around us—friends, family, and even strangers—were grappling with similar feelings of division and frustration. Whether in the context of political debates, social concerns, or personal struggles, I saw how these emotions were deeply rooted in unmet needs and desires. We may disagree on the details, but at the core, we all want the same thing: to protect and care for the people we love.
Understanding this, I knew something needed to change. I no longer wanted to be immersed in negativity—whether through complaints, judgment, or criticisms. I wanted to break free from the cycle of bitterness and create space for more light, hope, and peace. Here’s how we began that journey, and how you can too.
Step 1: Seek Out Uplifting Company
The first step was intentional: we made a decision to surround ourselves with people who would inspire us, encourage kindness, and foster a mindset of positivity. We needed relationships that would lift us, help us see the good, and guide us toward greater faith and joy—not those who added to the negativity.
But here’s where it gets a little tricky: it’s not always possible to distance ourselves from everyone who brings negativity. Our family, friends, and community are there for a reason. They offer unique perspectives, and they have strengths and qualities that enrich our lives. The goal isn’t to discard them, but to refocus how we engage with them.
Step 2: Focus on the Best in Others
Rather than walking away from people who, at times, may seem draining, we decided to focus on the positive qualities that everyone has. Everyone—no matter their flaws or struggles—has something beautiful to offer. By consciously choosing to encourage and bring out those qualities, we found that our relationships grew stronger, kinder, and more uplifting.
Think about the people in your life and what stands out to you about them. Do they…
• Encourage you to believe in yourself?
• Respect your boundaries and beliefs?
• Embody optimism, believing things will improve no matter the challenge?
• Show faithfulness, trusting in God’s plan and timing?
• Demonstrate kindness in everyday actions?
• Support you, lifting you up even in hard times?
• Inspire you, motivating you to grow and challenge yourself?
• Care deeply, offering a listening ear and a compassionate heart?
These are the kinds of people who make life richer, and whose presence will help you grow into the best version of yourself.
Step 3: Become the Positive Influence You Seek
It’s not enough to just look for positive people—you must become one yourself. How are you showing up in the world? Are you contributing to an environment of kindness and encouragement? When your friends share something exciting, do you celebrate with them? When they make a mistake, do you offer grace or criticism?
If you want to attract positivity, it starts with you. Lead by example. Be the kind of person you would want to spend time with: someone who shares joy, who speaks words of encouragement, who understands others with compassion and kindness. When you focus on building others up, you create a ripple effect that can transform your life and the lives of those around you.
Step 4: Surround Yourself with What Lifts You
Your environment plays a significant role in shaping your mindset and energy. Yes, the people around you matter, but so do the things you allow into your space. Are the media you consume, the conversations you engage in, and the time you spend nurturing your soul aligned with your purpose and values?
Creating a space where positivity and growth can thrive isn’t about eliminating all negativity—it’s about choosing to surround yourself with things and people who inspire you to grow. By seeking out relationships and experiences that encourage you, you will not only transform your own life but empower those around you to do the same.
Action Steps for Today:
1. Identify the people who lift you up. Reach out to them more often, engage in conversations that nurture mutual growth, and deepen those connections.
2. Focus on the best in others. When interacting with friends, family, or colleagues, look for their strengths and share those positive reflections with them.
3. Become a positive influence. Be the encouragement, kindness, and grace you want to see in the world. Shift your mindset to one of support and positivity.
4. Set boundaries around negativity. Protect your emotional well-being by gently setting limits on toxic conversations or environments that drain your energy.
Remember, you have the power to shape your environment by choosing how you engage with it. Start with small steps and, over time, you’ll create a circle of influence that fosters positivity, growth, and encouragement—both for yourself and others. And in doing so, you’ll become a source of light and inspiration for those who need it most.
I’d love to hear from you! What steps have you taken to surround yourself with positivity and create a more uplifting environment? Leave a comment below and share your thoughts!
If you’re looking for more ways to strengthen your relationships and grow spiritually, feel free to explore more articles in our Better Relationships category. Let’s continue this journey of encouragement and growth together.