I am someone who believes my cup is always HALF FILLED, NOT HALF  EMPTY. However, it can be easy to be a negative thinker these days, what with newspaper headlines and news programs often focusing on controversy  and conflict in the United States and overseas. Constant exposure to troubling stories can make you think, “There’s nothing happy in the world anymore.” But, I would suggest that is certainly not true!

Since October is Positive Attitude Month, I thought I’d share a few tips that can be your “secret weapon.” They make many difficult or frustrating situations easier to deal with and being positive can improve your health and relationships.

• Take time to help others. You can volunteer at a community organization or simply help your neighbor. Helping others enables you to see how you personally are able to have a positive impact on the world. I can promise you that you’ll feel good after!
• Positive Thinking. Thinking positively can actually change what is possible for you …really! Replace negative self-talk with positive affirmations, for example: “I hate getting up in the morning” with “I am grateful for a new day.”
• Surround yourself with positive people. When you do this, you will directly impact your attitude.

At the Elizabeth Lee Black School, we’ve been embracing the Positive Attitude month as a year-long theme. As emotional well-being of our students and faculty is our first priority, we developed a school-wide Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports plan that focuses on Being Kind, Being Safe and Being Independent.

Yes, we face many challenges in our world today, but one person, one positive action, can make a difference! To share a quote by Maria Shriver, “I believe that we all have the power within us to make this a better world – not just for you, but for everyone whose path we cross.”