This morning I woke up and thought about the courage it takes to simply BE Positive, especially when we are surrounded by so many challenges.
As I look around at how the world has changed over the past few months, many of us are probably wondering what is there to be positive about? The way we work, learn, and even the way we breathe has changed as masks are becoming part of our daily attire. I find myself trying to decide which color mask will match my outfit for the day.
What if I told you that underneath all of our struggles is a beautiful story waiting to unfold? What if I told you that in this moment, there are amazing opportunities that await?
Before you begin to mentally debate these claims, please hear me out.
Think back to a good movie you’ve seen or a good book you’ve read. In every great story we encounter a main character that will be faced with a struggle or conflict. It’s that part of the story that grabs our attention and pulls us in as we wait in anticipation to see how this character responds to the challenge presented. It’s in these moments that we watch the main character become the hero of his story or the villain.
Our personal stories are no different. We know that as long as we are living and breathing on this earth, we will be faced with challenging times, so why are we surprised when these conflicts enter into our own stories? If we know we will be tested, why then do many of us become nervous, anxious, and even depressed when faced with a challenge?
In order to become the best version of ourselves, we will experience struggle. Why? Struggles present our minds and bodies with the unknown which will serve as mental exercises as we become wiser, more knowing about ourselves and the world around us. If we were never presented with challenges, there would be no need to think or behave differently. There would be no need for us to change and grow.
What if young babies were held and carried around by their parents all the time and had everything that they wanted within reach – would there be that struggle of learning to crawl and eventually walk? The same holds true for our lives as adults. With each struggle, we learn a little more about our true potential and often gain new skills in the process. Even in moments of perceived failure, we tend to walk away more knowledgeable and experienced.
During this pandemic, I’ve had the opportunity to write and publish my own books. This has been something I’ve wanted to do for many years, however, I never thought I had the time. When my traveling schedule came to a halt, I pulled up my computer and begin to pen the message that I had been delivering during my keynotes and trainings into a manuscript which would capture the essence of everything I loved talking about. In my new book, The Beauty Underneath the Struggle ~Creating Your BUS Story, I share how my own struggles have helped me to evolve into the person that I am today. It is because of the struggles I faced as a young girl growing up in a small town in East Texas that I am so passionate about empowering others to take ownership of their stories, never allowing the stories of others (your community, your siblings, your parents) do dictate who you are or whom you will become.
Today as you log into work from home, or as you place on your face covering to physically enter your workplace – look around for the opportunities. Remember- anyone can point out the challenges, that’s easy; but it will take courage to share your positivity in a world that can be perceived as negative. Think of ways you can use your gifts and talents to make the world a better place. Be grateful for all the things that you may have previously taken for granted. And understand that your co-workers, your students, your team needs someone with the courage to BE Positive. Your courage will empower and encourage others to Be Positive as well.
Make it a great day or not. The choice is always yours.
Niki Spears Author/Motivational Speaker Culture Cre8ion