Confession time. Not that long ago, there was a lot of negativity in my life. For some of you this may be hard to believe, but it’s true. I had a ton of toxic friends/relationships in my life and looking back now, I can’t believe I put up with that negativity as long as I did. Some of it was because I failed to set boundaries. Another part was that I tended to take on other people’s “stuff” and carry it as my own. I soon learned, however, that “You can only control what you can control – and that is YOU.” I knew that for the sake of my own happiness, I needed to grab the reins and take charge. Here are the five things that help set me on the path to positivity: 1. Know what you can control. 2. Ask yourself, “What is the most beneficial reaction I can have for myself (while still being compassionate). 3. Be compassionate. 4. {Not for the weak.} Call the negative person out. 5. Understand that the person (or your situation) may not change. Does practicing all five of these things guarantee zero negativity in your life? Not by a long shot – there’s always going to be some amount of negativity in your life. It’s on the street, it’s on the Internet and sometimes, there are people in our lives that we can’t completely cut ties with. If it’s important to you and your happiness, you must start to focus your free time in a more positive place. “If you want to change, you will. If you don’t, you won’t.” Go to the places that will bring you joy. Spend time with the people who “get” you. And DO the things that help lift you up. Some days will be more difficult than others, but it’s up to you to keep your head and heart in a positive place. In This Episode You Will Learn About: Negativity Positivity Boundaries Control Change Community Tribe Resources The Bliss Habit Follow me on social media @LoriHarder on Instagram and Lori Harder on Facebook. You can also see more at my website: LoriHarder.com