Avoxtar 3.0

Having a positive attitude isn’t hard, but it does require effort.

I have to admit that I’ve been feeling a little low on positive energy for a few weeks. (Note to self, stop going to reddit) I mean, I can still see all the positive in my life- I have a loving family, great friends, I have my health, I have a roof over my head and I eat 3 meals a day, I live in a democratic and peaceful country and I have access to an unlimited supply of clean, fresh drinking water.

But like many of you, my heart is heavy as I worry about little and big things alike. These days, global warming, famine, war, debt, and financial slavery sit in the back of my mind like poisonous mushrooms rotting my faith in humanity and leaving me feeling powerless and exhausted. (Not to mention my own personal list of little problems and worries) These are the things that keep me up at night. Thankfully, just before I allow myself to plunge any further into the deep vortex of negative thought; I remember to breathe.

I firmly believe that world peace starts with inner peace. So even though I can’t change the world, I can change my inner dialogue and my thoughts about the world. It’s a start right?

One of the best ways to eliminate a negative thought, is to replace it with a positive one. I got up this morning and decided I would create a massive list of positive ideas. If, like me, you’ve been feeling down; read this list! Then, add to it, comment on it, pass it around, Digg it, Stumble it, and by all means, try a few of my suggestions and let me know what resonates (or not) with you.

In no particular order, here are my 100 positive and “FUN!” ideas that foster inner peace.

Smile warmly at strangers as you pass them by.
Breathe deeply (often throughout the day)
Take a break, you deserve it. (Stand up and stretch!)
Give a compliment to the next person you see.
Only watch funny movies for a month. Invite your friends over and have a laugh fest.
Ask for forgiveness.
Forgive.
Take the day off and spend it with loved ones. Suggest everyone in your office do the same. (imagine if we ALL did this on the SAME day)
Don’t use your car for a week. Walk or bike everywhere.
Go to the beach (or to the pool) and dive in without testing the water first.
Instead of paying cash to go to a show in a stadium, converge in parks and create your own spontaneous free music concert.
Express your creativity. Go ahead, try it and have fun with it!
Buy local hand-made products.
Buy only what you need.
Pay cash only.
Chop up your credit cards and pat yourself on the back
Give away what you don’t use. Expect nothing in return.
Write an anonymous love note and leave it on a park bench.
Tell your parents you love them.
Tell your kids you love them.
Tell your friends you love them
Love yourself unconditionally.
Drive slowly. Time is on your side.
Only eat fresh, real food.
Say thank you at least 200 times a day.
Open doors for strangers and thank them for walking through.
Listen twice as much as you speak.
Meditate daily. Enjoy the silence.
Sit under a tree.
Play with your kids. Laugh! Be silly!
Walk barefoot for an entire weekend… especially outside.
Get up early and listen to the birds as they welcome the rising sun.
Sit in the sun without sunscreen for a few hours a day. Soak in the vitamins and the energy.
Listen to music that makes you feel like dancing. Dance even if people are watching.
Talk to your neighbors.
Surprise someone with a helping hand.
Learn a new language… start with Hello! Nice to meet you!
Try something new today.
Sit in a different spot at the dinner table or sleep on the other side of the bed. It’s good to get a different perspective.
Make a peace flag and place it on your front lawn.
Listen to the wind – your answer is floating around there somewhere.
Plant a tree. Nurture it like a child.
Plant flowers that attract butterflies.
Let dandelions grow wild on your front lawn. Admire their natural beauty.
Serenade someone.
Recycle everything you can, compost the rest.
Go outside at lunch. (Whatever the weather)
Hug a tree… really, try it.
Go on a spontaneous FUN! Adventure this weekend. (No plans but maps are ok)
Invent a new game.
The next time it rains, have the whole family put on their bathing suits and go outside to play. (You too mom and dad.)
Then, make mud pies and squish them with your feet.
Fart in public and laugh like a kid. Stop being ashamed of things that are normal.
Wear bright colors and crazy prints … especially on Mondays in February.
Introduce yourself to new people who seem to be your opposite.
Share a meal with a homeless person. Then share a meal with a wealthy one. Bring the same kind of dish.
Turn off your television. Enjoy the silence!
Watch the sunset instead of watching the news.
Allow yourself to be sad but don’t wallow in self pity.
Lie on your back and watch clouds go by.
Find an ant colony and observe it. See how they work together.
If you witness an injustice; Speak out, be brave! But speak calmly, show your wisdom.
Light a candle just to watch the flames dance for you.
Create a morning ritual that honors your spirit.
Fill your lungs with air, not smoke.
Food is fuel for your body. Choose foods that energize you.
Dream and DO.
Surround yourself with positive happy people you trust.
Volunteer your time and energy to a cause you believe in.
Drink lots of water but only from your tap.
Share your positive ideas with others. Listen to other people’s ideas as well.
Step out of your comfort zone as often as possible.
Face your fears. Start with the small ones.
Embrace change – Change is good! It’s called evolution.
Look at yourself in the mirror, stare into your eyes. What do you see? What do you want to see?
Respect your elders.
Respect your children.
Respect yourself.
Learn from your mistakes. Never, ever make the same mistake twice.
Apologize, it’s easy.
Let go of the past it doesn’t exist anymore.
You create your future. Focus on what’s important.
Live only in the eternal now.
Look for silver linings.
Know how to accept criticism
Learn how to accept praise
Walk away from a fight. You can always go back and talk about it later.
Be as happy for other people’s success as you are for your own.
Be a gracious winner.
Count your blessings. (Make a list and stick it on the bathroom mirror)
Be earth’s guardian.
Rescue an animal
Call your local news office and give them a positive news tip. Ex: I got home safe last night.
If you can; adopt a child or two or ten.
Love the earth - the ground you walk on, the air you breathe…
Walk a mile in someone else’s shoes.
Wear a flower on your lapel, make it your symbol for peace.
Start a peace project. Get others involved.
Question Everything.
Think for yourself.
Think positive, there is hope.