How to Say No to Negativity

08 Mar 2011

How to Say No to Negativity

I've seen post after post about people giving up negativity for Lent. Claiming you want to is the first step, but once you're in, how exactly do you do it?

Here are 5 ways to avoid negativity.

Be slow to speak: Think about the words you will say after someone is done talking. Our first words often aren't our best. Once we've adopted a negative lifestyle, almost 100% of what we say is a negative, cynical comment. A little thinking allows wisdom to prevail.
Be quick to listen: Not just as an exercise, but real, active listening. Maybe ask a question about what you just heard, nod your head at the appropriate time or ask the speaker to expound on their subject.
Drop the need to be right: A know-it-all comes across negatively. How often do you find yourself saying, " I just love Susie. She knows everything and enthralls us moment by moment with her fascinating facts and opinions on everything, even stuff she knows absolutely nothing about."?
Practice: Listen to the news, radio or podcasts without forming thoughts and opinions until after the speaker is finished speaking.
Believe: Know that you can choose to be positive. Know that you're giving a positively wonderful gift to others!

What do you need to work on most?

Posted in Current Affairs, Health, Respect and tagged being right, cynical, how to avoid negativity, Lent, negativity, positively wonderful, saying no

17 thoughts on “How to Say No to Negativity”

Tammy on March 8, 2011 at 1:45 pm said:

Pardon me while I go lick my wounds…
LOL
Seriously, Audra–awesome. I think I’m definitely needing more work on the being slow to speak bit as of late.

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Audra Krell on March 8, 2011 at 2:30 pm said:

You are so funny Tammy. I'll be the judge of that when we meet in person! Ha ha
Audra

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Dolores Ayotte on March 8, 2011 at 3:50 pm said:

Great post Audra…I especially like the comments that we can choose to be positive and allowing a little thinking time so that wisdom can prevail. Good advice.
I know I mentioned awhile ago that we have a huge Arts & Crafts Fair here in Leisure World (Mesa) from 9-3pm this Sat. You asked me to remind you as the date drew closer. I would love to meet you in person but…I know we all have busy schedules. There’s no need to reply, unless you need more info. Take care. Blessings D 🙂

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Lance on March 9, 2011 at 6:22 am said:

Audra,
This is just so wonderful…as we start Lent…and always. We choose our actions…
Peace,
Lance

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Ginger on March 9, 2011 at 6:53 am said:

Audra,
These are great steps. I need to adhere them.

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Audra Krell on March 9, 2011 at 7:10 am said:

Thanks Lance, I knew this one would be right up your alley, my positive friend!
Audra

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Audra Krell on March 9, 2011 at 7:11 am said:

Hi Ginger! Wishing you a blessed Lenten season!
Audra

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mom2fur (aka Clare) on March 9, 2011 at 3:45 pm said:

LOL on #3–so true! What I need to work on is to not worry all the time. So much is great in my life right now and I’m trying to concentrate on that–accentuate the positive, as the old song goes.
Katherine is getting married next November (2012). She’s got her venue picked out but that’s about it. We’re moving slowly, but I have a feeling things are going to speed up by the beginning of next year! Thanks for stopping by my new blog. I hope you head over again soon!

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Audra Krell on March 10, 2011 at 10:54 am said:

So exciting about Katherine!!! Yes, things will probably start to go pretty fast. Blessings for continued wonderful things in your life!

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Audra Krell on March 10, 2011 at 12:30 pm said:

Hi Dolores, I'm so glad you let me know about the craft fair! We have sports commitments this Saturday, but if anything changes I will let you know as I would love to meet you too.
Audra

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Kyle Reed on March 10, 2011 at 3:28 pm said:

I really struggle with being negative at times.
I usually quantify it as I am trying to point out the things that can be worked on, but a lot of the times it just makes me fell better to vent. That is a pretty lame excuse.
I think if I can really work on the first two things you mentioned that would be a huge first step.

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Audra Krell on March 10, 2011 at 9:27 pm said:

I don't think that's a lame excuse. We all need to get things out, maybe we can think of a new way to vent. Thanks for stopping over Kyle!

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Joanne on March 13, 2011 at 6:32 pm said:

I like your #5. So much of how we feel can be our choice. It so often hinges on our perspective, and how we choose to look at situations, and experiences 🙂

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Dolores Ayotte on March 16, 2011 at 9:19 am said:

Hi Audra,
I very much liked the content of this post. I have shared it with my readers today. D 🙂

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Audra Krell on March 16, 2011 at 11:09 am said:

Thank you Dolores! I always appreciate you sharing my writing, you are a blessing!
Audra

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Dani on May 20, 2011 at 2:16 am said:

Hi there, saw you had posted some encouraging remarks on about.com (regarding NaNoWriMo). Noticed you were from Scottsdale, (I’m in Tucson!) and clicked on your link to this blog. I just wanted to say thanks for this post, it was really useful for me at this point in my life. I’ve subscribed, and thats uncommon, haha!

If you’re doing Camp NaNoWriMo this summer, good luck.

Keep writing, and stay happy.

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- audrakrell on May 20, 2011 at 6:14 pm said:
  
  Hi Dani,
  Thank you for stopping by and especially for clicking over from about.com. I’m not doing the NaNo camp at this point, are you?
  
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