We’re not going to pretend for a moment that 2020 has been an easy year. COVID-19 has made it difficult to enjoy our favorite parts of life. The election season has been stressful. Racism seems to be back and growing strong. It’s enough to drive anybody crazy!

However, there is always hope in this world. There are good things happening, and there is a bright future ahead of us if it’s what we choose. 

On an individual level, we each need to make the choice to embrace positivity and resist negativity. Here are some tips that can help.

Four tips for embracing positivity in a negative world

1. Change the way you speak — Do you constantly beat yourself up for small things. Whether out loud or in your head, you need to stop speaking negatively to yourself. And you need to stop speaking negatively to other people.
   
   Negative behavior is infectious and can affect your own happiness and the happiness of others. Use more positive language and be kinder to yourself and others.

2. Don’t do it alone — It’s easier to be positive when you’re around positive people. Find someone who can keep you accountable and call you out when you’re hard on yourself or using hateful and negative speech.

3. Adopt a peaceful mantra — Find a peaceful mantra you can recite to yourself in your head or out loud when you’re upset, angry, stressed or worried. For example, in the book “Dune” by Frank Herbert, many of the characters recite the Litany Against Fear when in stressful situations:
   
   I must not fear.
   Fear is the mind-killer.
   Fear is the little-death that brings total obliteration.
   I will face my fear.
   I will permit it to pass over me and through me.
   And when it has gone past I will turn the inner eye to see its path.
   Where the fear has gone there will be nothing.
   Only I will remain.
   
   Can you think of a calming phrase or litany like this one you can use for yourself?

4. Adopt a peaceful practice — Find an activity, such as meditation, yoga, biking or hiking, that helps you feel more at peace and less focused on the negative aspects of the world.

Centerpoint Church is ready to walk with you on your faith journey

At Centerpoint, our community believes in purpose and passion, and we would love to walk with you on your journey in finding yours. We are currently going through a new sermon series titled “What Would Jesus Undo?” It’s all about what we imagine Jesus would want to undo in today’s church to rebuild it to better fit His image and His teachings. 

Do you feel like the church has lost its way and could use some restructuring? You’re not alone. We encourage you to listen to our series online and welcome you to come to one of our Sunday morning services in Valrico, Florida.