See the Positive

See the Positive

Too often, we focus on the negative aspects of any given situation. We imagine that people are always out to hurt or humiliate us; very often, these are our own family members. Every little word or action ill-perceived is twisted into a personal attack. We see our road to our goals as paved with barriers and can't understand why. The world seems full of enemies when really, the only enemy is our attitude.

If we can learn to look at every difficult situation as a present - to see the possibilities it holds as a gift, a great weight is immediately lifted. Every setback is now an opportunity. Imagine the immense empowerment of that kind of attitude!

When you are in a difficult or a stressful situation, ask yourself:

1) Could it be worse?
2) Are there lessons I can learn to avoid a similar situation in the future?
3) What good can be realized?
4) What am I going to do about it?

COULD IT BE WORSE?
Most of the time, things could always be worse. By reflecting on a worse situation, it helps put the current situation into perspective. We realize that very often, we're being overly-sensitive or excessively affected by a stressful situation.

ARE THERE LESSONS I CAN LEARN TO AVOID A SIMILAR SITUATION IN THE FUTURE?
Look at the situation. Could it have been avoided? Mistakes are our greatest teachers and one of the most amazing abilities we possess is the capacity for greater knowledge and wisdom! No sense dwelling on the past. Recognize and think of ways for the future to avoid a similar situation.

WHAT GOOD CAN BE REALIZED?
This is the gift. Sometimes you have to look deeply. Sometimes you don't even realize until later. But in every situation, there is a positive, you just have to find it! Your heart will thank you for empowering it instead of pressurizing it.

WHAT AM I GOING TO DO ABOUT IT?
Very often, simply by taking action, you can begin to make your situation better. Many people just mope and languish. But not you - think about what you can do and do it now! There may yet come a time when there is nothing you can do to help yourself or others. But the time is not now. Leap forward!

A Slice of Life is written, produced and presented by Eugene Loh unless otherwise stated. If you wish to share the scripts with others, please credit it to 'Eugene Loh, A Slice of Life, 938LIVE, a station of MediaCorp Radio'.