Positive thinking

I had my ability to think positively severely challenged this week.

We were packing up from a holiday in the Lake District. Our time had been good and we'd managed a few lovely walks in the fabulous countryside, enjoying the peace and the beautiful scenery. But our time away had been peppered with showers (some heavy) and grey, leaden skies had followed wherever we were. The long-awaited trip to the beach, eagerly anticipated by our children, had never happened - the thought of huddling in fleeces under an umbrella whilst battling to construct sandcastles in the rain somehow didn't appeal.

Then, just as we were clearing up to leave for home, the sun came out. We travelled back in glorious, warm sunshine.

My mood changed from one of holiday lightness to gloom and frustration.

I guess many of us have had moments this summer when the weather has just got us down. Certainly our British summer has had long stretches when it has lived up to its soggy reputation.

Fortunately, on the way back home from our holiday, I realised that remaining in a glum mood would do me and my family no good. Nor would it change the weather.

So instead of thinking about the weather, I began to notice the lovely scenery we were passing and to re-live in my mind all the good times we'd had whilst away. Before long my gloom had passed, and with the children putting on a (not always in tune!) vocal recital from the back seats, I found I could smile and laugh again.

It's so easy to find ourselves sliding into a negative mindset -because of the weather, the conversation we've just had, the stresses and strains of everyday living, or whatever. Our choice is what to do with that mood. Do we choose to remain negative, and find the rest of our day just adding to our gloom? Or do we choose to look for and find the positive, so our spirits lift and we can enjoy life again? It's our choice.

One trick to help you think positively again is to find something that's good to hold and easy to keep in your pocket - a smooth pebble, a beautiful shell picked up from a happy holiday, perhaps, or a tiny framed photo of a loved one. Each time you find your mood dropping, touch the keepsake and remind yourself of the happy memories surrounding it and the things your grateful for.

Try it today! Find something you can treasure, pop it in your pocket, and enjoy the warm, positive feelings and memories it brings.

Well, it's started raining again, so I'm off to bring in the washing whilst I remember all the great things we did on holiday!