Positively Negative

Are you wondering how the words positive and negative can exist in the same context?  Well believe it or not, you’ve been a participating factor in their coexistence.  It’s true.  Words have power.  The amount of power they have depends on their definition, the person who transmits them, and how they are received.  For instance, the word but depreciates the statement that precedes it.  “He’s a really nice guy but he just got out of jail.”  He just got out of jail but he is a really nice guy.”   See how both statements are essentially the same yet one may cause you prejudge him while the other may cause you have compassion for him. 

There are many statements that each of us makes on a daily basis that express our lack of faith in what is possible when we focus our efforts in the correct manner.  Sayings like “things could be worse”, “it is what it is”, and “at least you have a job”, are all statements meant to be positive but are actually positively negative.  Let’s explore why this is.

Things could be worse.  True.  Things could be worse if you believe or accept that things could not be better.  Remember, one man’s trash is another man’s treasure.  Whatever happens to you that you think is worse is still better in someone else’s situation.  Prepare against the worst and plan for the best. 

It is what it is.  True.  It is what it is but is that how it has to be?  When you say it is what it is, you have either accepted that it is not possible to make a positive change or you have given up on your efforts to do so.

At least you have a job.  True.  At least you have a job to help support yourself and family.  Is that where it ends?  Is that all life is about?  No!  Having a job is an excellent thing.  However, we were put here to progress and prosper.  Whether you are born in a cave or born to Bill Gates, if you have the drive to succeed, it can happen.  The phrase at least means just that – the bare minimum.  Once you accept the least as okay, you will surely throttle your aspirations of success.  A job should be a means to build a successful life experience for you and the world around you.  If you are not happy where you work or not working in your field of purpose, continue to do so as long as absolutely necessary.  In the meantime, utilize every dollar, moment, resource, and opportunity to transform your life into what you really want it to be.  

Beware of how you view and convey your views regarding your possessions and life situations.  Your words and perspectives have a direct effect on your actions.  Stay positive and blessed.

-- Linwood R. Butler, Jr.

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