Written by Karyn

A positive, healthy attitude is not natural. It’s a choice. There are things that can influence and impact your attitude, things that can make it easier or harder to be positive- but ultimately, your attitude is YOUR choice.

What are some things that make it harder to have a positive attitude?

(annoying siblings, angry parents, lots of homework or chores, negative friends)

What are things that make a positive attitude easier?

(getting what you want, nice friends, no work)

Remember that your attitude doesn’t “happen” to you. When things get tough, you can’t blame circumstance for your attitude- even in rough times, you choose your response.

There are two types of people: polluters or purifiers

What are things that pollute our environment?

How can that harm us?

What are things that purify our environment?

How can that help us?

Now think about your relationships with friends and family. What is YOUR role? Do you pollute or purify relationships? What does that look like?

If you struggle with having a negative attitude, consider contacting a mentor. Attitudes are contagious. If you can connect with someone who you know believes in you, and has a positive attitude toward you, then it can help improve how you see yourself and others. (side note: every single one of your youth leaders loves and believes in each one of you- and you can call or text us anytime).

Here are some ways to help you out of a negative funk:

• know that your attitude is a choice- you may not have control over circumstance, but you do have control over your attitude.

• Imagine what kind of impact you want to have on others, and ask if your attitude reflects that.

• Think, speak, and act with an attitude that reflects your intentions. (if you intend to hurt or harm others, keep your mouth shut and talk to someone who can help address your anger)

• Give thanks frequently for the good you see, have, and can be to others.

Here are some ways to mentally manage your attitude:

• Reject negative influence from negative people

• Reject complaints/gossip about others

• Accept more people in your life living how you want to live

• Add behaviors that reflect the person you want to be (in speech and action)

It is okay to be angry, sad, and to feel pain and hurt. Don’t let life’s circumstances control you-you have a choice on the impact circumstance has on you.

Philippians 4:8-9New International Version (NIV)

8 Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. 9 Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.