Like most human beings, I was born to be a positive person.  In the midst of my years of struggle with depression, addiction and negativity, my family often mused about what a happy baby I had been – as if to say, “what happened?”

I had the good fortune to recognize in a moment of clarity that negativity was an acquired point of view that I wore like a shield that kept happiness away.  I had suffered a long time in this destructive mindset until I understood that my negativity was not inherent.  If I could acquire it, I could also lose it.

I thus employed a plan of action to tune out the negativity and turn up the positivity. Nothing in my life actually changed but the way I perceived at it.

As corny as it may sound, positive thinking has changed my life.  Make no mistake, though, like any new habit it is a work in progress that must be cultivated every day.

I can’t make you “see the light.”  I understand that many people feel that their negativity is “reality” and they have no control over it.  In fact, plenty of negative people will actually get angry and defensive about holding on to their misery if not truly ready to let it go.   I was there too.  I felt that my job was to convince others that my misery was justified.   Now I know that the mind is a filter that colors everything and with deliberate polishing the sun can shine through.

Here’s a great list I found at ZenHabits.net by Leo Babauta.

• Realize it’s possible, instead of telling yourself why you can’t.
• Become aware of your self-talk.
• Squash negative thoughts like a bug.
• Replace them with positive thoughts.
• Love what you have already.
• Be grateful for your life, your gifts, and other people.
• Every day.
• Focus on what you have, not on what you haven’t.
• Don’t compare yourself to others.
• But be inspired by them.
• Accept criticism with grace.
• But ignore the naysayers.
• See bad things as a blessing in disguise.
• See failure as a stepping stone to success.
• Surround yourself by those who are positive.
• Complain less, smile more.
• Image that you’re already positive.
• Then become that person in your next act.

Focus on this habit first, and you’ll have a much easier time with any other.