Negativity-Free Zone
Photo credit iStockphoto
Had dinner with an old friend last night and she said she's giving up negativity for Lent. She is encouraging her entire extended family to quit complaining. I love the idea and hope they all see lasting results.
Then today I came across this post from Trevor Lund. He will send you 40 daily emails to help you and yours quit the negativity addiction throughout the Lenten season.
It's easy to develop and hard to recognize you've got a problem. You know, a complaint here and there about how much you hate people in the media, politics and Hollywood. A bash about the local grocery clerk. A disgusting eye roll toward the homeless person riding their bike alongside the road. A cruel word to the opposing team in the name of competition. Berating the serviceperson who isn't working hard or quickly enough in your opinion.
Before you know it, your "opinion" which you become known for, is one of utter negativity toward the world in general. People can always count on you to find the bad and make it uglier.
And then, if you're an artist, it seeps into your creations. Colors every piece with shades of gray and lots of black. You sing the same old sad song, write the same poem, tell your dark story one more time.
In short, negativity kills creativity.
Creativity breeds life and I want to fully live.
What about you? Do you have a negative complaint behavior you need to quit?
Audra Krell 
Great post, as usual. I think I want a sign for my house that reads “this is a strife-free zone.” 🙂
Thanks so much for the mention. We’re having so many people sign up for the 40 daily emails right now that’s it’s exciting since I know I’ll be getting to hear how fasting from negativity changed situations and hearts. To be honest, I really needed it myself this year. Setting up for this year’s campaign reminded me I wasn’t listening to my own advice.
Choosing God’s thoughts instead of my own radically changed me once more…now I only need to make it lifestyle 🙂
Blessings to you Trevor as you strive to work out your salvation by staying in the center of God's will!
I love this post Audra! I think that sometimes people don’t realize how negative they are coming across. It is such a wonderful idea to have a better look at how we react to others. It takes real effort to have a positive attitude.
Hi Dolores, I believe it becomes a lifestyle for people and they don't have any idea how negative they are, as you said. Here's to a wonderful, positive week!
Audra