Writing in a Positive Light
I'm seeing many requests asking how to remain positive in a world that seems to be so depressing. It looks like everything is gloom and doom: the stock market, prices for necessities, wars, babies stuck in holes, natural catastrophes ... all the media reporting negative happenings. It is true that bad news is news. Some writers feel that being surrounded by so much sadness saps their creative energies. Others point to depression as their Writer's Block. The most difficult situation to deal with must be that of a negative individual in your daily life.One writer, and editor of the Internet Wizards magazine online, Bonnie Boots, offers 7 Steps To Staying Positive In A Negative World. I happen to know that Bonnie has survived some tough stuff in her life, and I am in awe of how she is able to not only carry on, but bounce back running. Some of her tips include:
Her points for specifically handling a negative person you must deal with (an editor, perhaps?) are truly gems, but I wanted to focus on the third item above. One way to distance yourself from the negative influences in your life is to reduce your exposure to them. When I get my hands on a newspaper, I head straight for the comics section. Customers in my neighborhood Starbucks are familiar with the sound of laughter when I visit.
- Practice humor
- Use physical reminders of positives
- Get away from negativity
Tune your radios to stations that play music to either invigorate you or soothe the passions. No talk radio to inflame or lay on downers! When someone begins a rant or a conversation of complaints, don't hesitate to interrupt and jerk (if necessary) the talk back on track or to a pleasant topic. Look into yoga, meditation and other eastern practices to even your outlook. It is true that you become what you fill your mind with, so repeat positive affirmations throughout the day.
Strange as it may sound, using the Twelve Step "attitude of gratitude" can also help banish the blues. Learn to focus on the smallest blessings that surround you. Take compliments with grace and hug them to your heart. Let your mind bathe in the positivity than surrounds you, point it out to others, and as the old song says, "Accentuate the Positive".
Labels: Creativity, writers
posted by Georganna Hancock M.S. | 8:45 AM
3 Comments:
My rule of thumb is to always find something to laugh at. That it gives me a somewhat macabre sense of humor is irrelevant--I'd rather laugh than cry.
By the way, I found your blog on blogcatalog.com and since you're obviously into writing, I wanted to let you know about a new e-zine that me and a few writer friends are putting together.
It's called The Oddville Press.
You should check us out if you're interested--or better yet, submit something!
Thanks a bunch!
Another solution, one that works for me: write about serious stuff but give it a happy or, at least, hopeful, ending. In other words, don't contribute to the demeaning and gratuituous schlock out there on the shelves. Rather, address the issues that depress or anger you and try to come up with solutions. Try to do something about it. I wouldn't call it advocacy writing (though it could be), but I think every reader is looking for some hope to hang on to.
My novel emerged in part out of dismay of how mental illness is portrayed in all media - it's either glorified or demonized. Most folks I know with serious mental disorders live pretty functional lives - when they're treated and supported. So I wrote about how such support can transform a life.
Good post, G. Very provocative... Peace, Linda
Thanks Steph and Linda. Your contributions make it all worthwhile!
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