The Positive Game

Sometimes people allow negative thoughts to consume themselves so much that they lose focus on the positives that are in their lives.

About a year ago, I have been playing what I call “The Positive Game" with family members, friends, and even by myself. It's super easy, and it really does make a difference.

All you do is go around the room and name a positive in your life for a predetermined number of rounds. And of course, if you are alone, just name them out loud. It doesn't matter how big or small the positive is, just as long it is named.

You will be amazed at just how many you can name, and you will be amazed at how much faster you become at naming them after a few times playing.

No matter how much pain we are in, there are positives, even if they are tiny, in our lives. If we can focus on these positives even for a few moments, we can feel a bit better for that length of time. Over time, we notice that we are thinking less negatively.

This technique may seem really simple, but it really works. I have people in my life who must deal with major issues-- such as constant chronic physical pain--yet I never met anyone who couldn't come up with one tiny positive in their lives. I dare you to try it.

Adding a goofy element: Depending who I'm playing with, I like us to clap and shout "yay!" after naming each positive. These physical actions reinforce the positive thoughts.

Can't think of anything positive? Are you just carrying too much emotional and/or physical pain? I encourage you to think super small. Perhaps, someone smiled at you. Perhaps, you did an errand that you had been putting off. Perhaps, you made that dreaded phone call. Perhaps, the weather has been pretty nice. Perhaps, your shoes are on the correct feet. The point is to voice ANY positive thought.

I hope you find this little game fun and useful. Let me know your best score!