Recently I studied Proverbs 18:21* and got to thinking…

Everyone knows that a positive attitude can bring positive changes, boost your success, and improve your relationships with colleagues, family, and friends. But do you realize that a negative attitude is just as powerful?

Mmm-hmm. Sure is.

This topic is especially relevant now, since our culture seems to be generating a huge supply of negativity. It just spews out willy-nilly. No one seems to give it a thought.

You might say our negativity is all stressed up with no place to go.

Let’s look at some of the powerful things negativity can accomplish!

1. Got almost-perfect weather? Try complaining about the one thing you’d like to adjust. Like, the temperature should be two degrees warmer (cooler), or you’d prefer a little more (less) wind. Your complaints can turn “almost perfect” into “lousy.”

2. Let’s say some stranger on the highway changes lanes in front of you, cutting it a bit close, but doesn’t so much as touch your car. You could take a breath and say, “No harm, no foul,” but where’s the satisfaction in that? You’d display much more power if you lean on your horn, shake your fist (or some variation thereof), and cuss out the offender. Congratulations! You’ve gone from ruining zero people’s day, to ruining your own and someone else’s. See how this increases your output? Sooo efficient.

3. Is your mate pretty dang wonderful, but has a few quirks or flaws? Why express appreciation for the good qualities and exercise patience with the shortcomings? Instead, you can grumble about every little thing. Not only does this crush your mate’s spirit, but at the same time you can set off a defensiveness showdown that makes both of you feel isolated!

As near as I can figure, living in ALL CAPS, ALL THE TIME makes a huge impact on your life. People will sit up and take notice of you, all righty. And that’s worth a little high blood pressure and a few broken relationships…… isn’t it?

Thanks for reading,
Jan

* “Death and life are in the power of the tongue. . . ” Proverbs 18:21, New American Standard Bible (NASB)