Posisolution Vibes Wanted

We all have lots we can complain about, and if you scroll your phone daily, there is a lot more negativity in the form of stories and news. In education, we face budget cuts, job changes, "tough" kids, "bad" teachers, and often a thankless job which involves long hours. These are the moments we have to decide: will complaining, wallowing, and having the wrong perspective, help or hinder us? Bobby McFerrin said it best: "In every life, we have some trouble,
but when you worry, you make it double.
Don't worry, be happy." 

Too often I hear people complaining about their circumstances and their first world problems. Rather than focusing on solutions, they just keep the negative train rolling down the tracks. They pull others into their negativity and complain more than they try to solve things. Yes, we all need someone to vent to and share frustrations with; however, it should not be universally, and it should not be a constant. I have committed to being a solution finder, and a positivity cheerleader. Here are 10 tips I have come up with for creating posisolution (yes, I made up that word) vibes:

1) Let go of things that sap your time and energy.

2) Surround yourself with positive people. Mood is contagious.

3) Look for sources of humor in everyday life.

4) Remind yourself that you always have choices.

5) Look for positive messages in media, entertainment and discussion.

6) Enjoy positive, upbeat music and inspirational quotes.

7) Look for solutions rather than problems.

8) When you're in a negative situation, challenge yourself to identify the silver lining.

9) Give lots of hugs, high fives, and smiles--this becomes contagious.

10) Be present in the moment rather than focusing so much on the past or future.

We all can afford to seek daily positive vibes and be solution based in our approaches. As educators, our students look to us daily and they watch and pick up on what we are laying down. Our staff our intuitive and sense the vibes we are putting out. Make a choice today to be a posisolution oriented person and get on the train that is rolling with the great vibes down the track.