Negativity

It's everywhere (at least in my life). What is negativity? It's not normal sadness, it's not the stress of everyday life. Negativity as I define it is that which results from choosing to see everything in the worst light. This takes the form of gossip, of nitpicking, and of hatred of other people.

Lately I have been a victim of negativity in nearly every sense of the word-both in being negative and being affected by the mood of others. It's made my life harder. Negativity is painful to be a part of.

Why are so many people a part of it then?

I've been asking myself this for weeks. It's easy to slip into it when you're tired, I know, but some seem to live in perpetual darkness of spirit. These people- including some that I know personally- are constantly harping on about what's wrong, whether that be with other people or with situations. These people used to be some of the best people I knew.

It seems to me, after weeks of struggle, that the problem is that these people do not listen. They will not spare a single moment to think of what the other person's purpose or past might be, leading to misunderstanding and hurt on both sides. I have done this in the past, and it has lead to some of the biggest regrets of my life.

Their focus is also in the wrong place, that is, in the shadows of life, in every problem that could possibly be seen. Their eyes are dark with the shadows they look into, and their speech reflects only darkness.

Focusing on what is wrong, with no regard to the past, is a recipe for disaster.

So I am trying to beat the negativity! I am trying to open my ears, to remain optimistic, to comment on the good and hold in the bad. I am going to acknowledge only the darkness that requires acknowledging, correct only that which truly needs correcting. I am trying to focus on the light, because whatever you look at reflects in your eyes. And aren't the eyes the windows to the soul?