BRIGHTER SIDE OF LIFE | DR. GEETANJALI PAREEK
THE BRIGHTER SIDE OF LIFE: HOW TO FIND LIGHT IN DIFFICULT TIMES
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I wrote this article
during pandemic times for my students when many were depressed, sad, feeling
empty or worthless. So today when I saw this article I felt the challenges
people face not only during tough times but in their day today life. The
"gloom" or "darkness" that can sometimes feel overwhelming
can diminish the quality of one’s life.
However, during those
difficult times, it's possible to find and focus on the good things. Which is also
called Chardi Kala in Sikhism. So in this post I will cover some practical tips
and a new perspective to look into.
Personal Story
Everyone has their bunch
of tough/difficult times but how one moves in that tough time that is
important. You will find many stories in around the world globally but most
recent ones is the flood hit people of Punjab and how gracefully they are
working together to support each other and calling it Chardi Kala which their
Guru Nanak Sahibji taught them. During that time I was down with fever and had
sprained my back too. With limited movement and pain, I felt bad if not
miserable and was on the edge of complaining, “why me?” However, before I could
complain I saw the flood hit areas and how people were struggling for basic amenities,
at that very moment I felt that I was the most privileged/blessed person. Not
only that whoever called me or shared their gloomy stories as at that time I just
complaining whether on their personal or professional front. I just asked them to
actively look for the "brighter side" of their life and to stop
worrying. So in this post I will gently guide you to look into your brighter
side of life without getting overwhelmed.
The Psychology Behind It
In this post I will quietly
explain how it works without going in detail until you ask for, maybe than I will
write in future posts. So there are two concepts involved in this: one is "cognitive
reframing" or "positive psychology" and the other is “negative
bias.”
What Is Cognitive Reframing
So what is “Cognitive
reframing”, well it is a psychological technique used in therapies like
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to identify negative thought patterns and
replace them with more rational, positive, and constructive ways of thinking
about situations, experiences, and emotions. By changing the “frame” or
perspective through which an event is viewed, a person can experience a
healthier emotional response and develop more adaptive behaviours and belief
systems. This process is a powerful tool for managing stress, improving mental
health, and transforming setbacks into opportunities for growth.
What Is Negativity Bias
Now the question arises "Why
our brains are naturally wired to look for threats (the negative)”. Well the
answer lies in “Negativity bias.” Our brains are wired for negativity due to an
evolutionary process called negativity bias, which prioritizes negative
information for survival by helping our ancestors detect and avoid threats.
Negative experiences are processed more intensely and leave a stronger
impression, ensuring that potential dangers are learned from and remembered.
This ancient self-protection mechanism is still active today, making us more
sensitive to risks and problems, even when positive experiences outweigh
negative ones.
However, the good thing
is we can also train ourselves to see the positive side. So in the next section
I will tell you how.
Four Practical Steps To See The Brighter Side:
Step 1: Practice
Gratitude. You can keep a gratitude journal and write a few sentences about things
you're thankful for each day or simply list a few things you're thankful for
each day.
Step 2: Limit Your
"News Diet." In today’s world it is important to keep yourself
informed however in this process do not get overwhelmed. Whatever you choose
set a time limit for checking whether it is the news or social media do not
spend your entire day on these things. They are just meant to update you or for
communication purpose not to get overwhelmed by them. They are not your life in
itself.
Step 3: Find a
"Brighter Side" Buddy. Always surround yourself with some positive
people who can be your friend, partner, relative or parents. To have a social
connection is very important as it helps your brain release feel good hormones.
You can have a friend you can call to share something positive with each day.
But remember two things
1.
I am talking about social connection not
social media it is not social connection designed to make you feel positive.
2.
Try talking something positive only to
your friend do not talk negative as it would either make them miserable or you
will just loose them.
Step 4: Engage in a
Creative Outlet. Engage yourself in any activity of your liking like writing,
painting, or listening to music to help you process emotions and find joy.
Like, I do writing blog articles or making videos. Why spend your precious time
on some futile activity which only makes you gloomy at the end of the day.
Conclusion
In the end I would like to say "The sun always shines brightest after the rain." or as Khalil Gibran has said, “We are all like the bright moon; we still have our darker side”. Hope this article had been useful in changing your perspective of life and if it did than please share "What's one small step you will take today to find the brighter side?" please share in the comments. You can also view the accompanying video for visual appeal and quiet story on seeing the brighter side.
If you're exploring tools that support peaceful
and healthy living, here’s a resource I trust: 👉 The Power of A Positive Attitude: Your Road To Success
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