Always be positive…
“This little light of mine, I’m gonna let it shine…”
Did your family ever sing you lullabies to rock you to sleep, or songs that taught you about cleaning up, sharing, and patience? When my mom would, I felt so safe and at peace, so happy and amused. Now Cocomelon and Baby Shark are taking over! Ha. In all seriousness though, those songs are uplifiting and upbeat and put a little sparkle in your eye. To always look for the light in every situation.
House of Shine
My mom knows that I have a social impact energy that I am starting to discover slowly. She came across a non-profit organization called House of Shine, and bless her heart she immediately thought of me.
“House of Shine is a nonprofit interactive self-discovery museum whose mission is to help people from age 5 to 95 discover who they are and why their contribution to the world matters. A Community Gathering Space Where Leaders Come to Grow. When you visit House of Shine, you’ll become a Shineologist – someone who studies the science of self. Each exhibit will bring you closer to understanding yourself and making the most of your talents and gifts. Beyond discovering your Shine, we want to be the catalyst that helps you activate it, implement it and grow it, so you can make your corner of the world a little brighter.”
After reading about the museum, I instantly signed up to volunteer. I was in awe like a big kid in a candy store filled with shiny things. I wanted to be emersed in all the things and I felt a euphoric energy being in the house. During my volunteer day, I had the opportunity to make Shine Tokens. The Shine Tokens are a symbol to express and share appreciation and respect for those who make the world shine brigher. The act of giving to show recognition. Each room and corner is filled with positive affirmation, mindfullness practice, reminders, and brain exercisers. I played with clay, painted, crafted, and met some fun people along the way- and to top it off, it made me feel good! I left filled with positivity and motivation to take on the day. I wanted to share the good works this non-profit is doing with my friends that are parents and others. My heart was filled. I’d love to volunteer with someone again if you are interested.
Positive Vibes Only
Validate that. Positivity looks and feels different for everyone. Oprah Daily has an article, 12 Ways to Instantly Be a More Positive Person. In the article, the authors quote a therapist and author Jo Eckler, PsyD
The most helpful definition of being positive is having hope and confidence in one’s ability to handle what’s tough, along with remembering that nothing is all negative all the time. Instead, she defines positivity as the ability to identify sunnier takeaways or moments of relief from negative situations.
There are studies that show being positive and healthy increases your longevity. In her Ted Talk Samantha Rea talks about the power of choice and optimism and maintaining a positive attitude. “Choose to Have a Good Day” is her favorite quote. She challenges the viewer that positive thinking is a choice and a positive attitude can be a driving force for change. She reveals that focusing her energy on the good vs. the bad, and also recognize the “woes” in life help you understand and appreciate the highs. It is essential to control your ability to how you respond to things.
I truly believe that everything happens for a reason. It is up to us to use situations to learn, grow, and hopefully find the light in the situation. While the world goes through some really devastating times, there is also so much joy to experience in the world. Please try not to neglect or hold yourself back from enjoying those experiences. Let your light shine.
Positivity: The Power of Choice | Samantha Rea | TEDxUofM
Love Languages
I 1000% believe that understanding love languages should be fundamental in any relationship (friendship, family, partnership). How you give and want to receive love is different than others. Knowing and understanding how you give love and how others want to receive love is powerful. The 5 Love Languages book teaches us just that. We don’t feel love the same way. We don’t experience it in the same way.
Word of affirmation- verbal connection and recognition. “I love when you when you organize a time for us to get together! You’re great.”
Quality time- undivided attention and intentional time together. “Thank you for taking time to hang out. I really appreciate our time together.”
Acts of service- doing something kind or ledning a hand. “I appreciate you washing the dishes and helping me clean up after I cooked.”
Physical Touch- a touch or gesture. “You give the best hugs. I really needed this.”
Receiving gifts- Doesn’t necessarily mean materialistic. Feel rewarded when something tangible or intangible is presented that makes you/others feel special. “Your thoughtful gift filled my heart with so much love.”
Do something from the heart, not to seek credit or applause. But sharing love and kindness, and it just makes you feel good. Be around people that make you feel good and nourish your soul. Find ways to lift your energy Always be singing or humming that tune that gives you that extra pep in your step. Look to the sunshine and take a deep breath. Focus on what you can control. Always be positive.
