Tutoring for Positive Aspects

When I was tutoring and teaching full time, I was struck by how many students think and speak negatively about themselves and life in general. I found that I often tried to help kids see the bright side of things. This was not always easy--when tough circumstances are staring someone in the face, it is hard to see something positive, but there always is something you can take from an experience.

Lately, I have been experimenting with consciously rearranging my thoughts around the positive aspects of my life. What that means is that before I go to bed I take a few moments to run through all the positive things that happened during the day. Positive things are things that made me feel good, from a hug from my wife to a positive news story to a long lost friend contacting me out of the blue. Then, in the morning, I focus on expecting more things that feel good to happen, just for a minute or two. My wife doesn't even know I am doing it, because I look like I am asleep.

The results? Well, I am definitely happier and have more energy. This could be something I am just perceiving, but who cares? If it really feels better, than it really feels better. Second, I have noticed more "good" things happening. Maybe it is because I am paying attention and not sleep-walking through them.

This is a great lesson that we can give to our kids, to learn to focus on the positive aspects of events and people. At its least effective, it can help a person feel better. At its most effective, it can bring on some serious life improvement.