Health / August 1, 2020

How To Actually Have “Good Vibes Only”

It has become the ultimate catchphrase, an embellishment for t-shirts, coffee mugs, and social media pages. Sun-kissed selfies, generous groups of friends, or exotic locations bombard our timelines with clever captions and illustrations of the “good vibes only” lifestyle.

This contemporary proverb generally alludes to the idea that we are both emitting and allowing only positive energy in our lives. The concept depicts a state of affairs where cheerfulness easily outranks any symptom of adversity or doubt.

For some, a smile or thoughtful quote is all that is necessary to give the illusion of well-being. However, maintaining a positive thinking mindset requires more than the proper selfie or a well-thought-out citation.

The Impact Of Our Emotions

We all have moments where we grapple with negativity. The key is not to let those feelings prevail. When we embrace our emotions, either positive or negative, they impact our mood, our behavior, and in time our character. So toxic thoughts that were once fleeting are allowed to take root and affect not just how we feel at the moment but how we navigate from day to day.

It is possible to foster an environment where good vibes are allowed to develop and thrive. If you are reading this blog post, more than likely, you are having difficulty staying positive. You may be struggling to overcome feelings of loneliness and doubt or wrestling with shame.

Nurturing Joy

Unlike superficial representations of happiness, authentic joy doesn’t happen overnight; it’s a process. We must nurture a sense of emotional wellness. 2 Corinthians 4:16 encourages us not to lose heart. Even when outwardly our struggles seem vast, inwardly, we are being renewed.

So, let go of the idea of being happy all the time. Release the anxiety around maintaining a positive lifestyle. There is no unique formula but a few tips. Here are five ways to cultivate good vibes only.

1. Change your perspective. Altering your mindset allows you to focus on the big picture. Instead of looking at a situation as an obstacle, see it as an opportunity to learn and grow. One way to shift your perspective is to adjust your expectations of yourself and others. Do your best, but make room for the unknown. There is always a possibility that things may not unfold quite the way you planned them — and that’s okay!

2. Adopt an attitude of gratitude. Banish any melancholy mood with a bit of gratitude. Instead of focusing on the pain, open your eyes to the blessings all around you, and celebrate them. When you honor the good that you already have, you attract more good things to you.

God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, courage to change the things I can, and wisdom to know the difference.

3. Live Peacefully. Experience positive vibes by choosing to live peacefully. We can’t always avoid unnecessary stress, but we can control how we respond to the situation. I love the Serenity Prayer. Written by Reinhold Niebuhr, it is often used in 12-step recovery programs. The prayer says, “God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, courage to change the things I can, and wisdom to know the difference.” For me, this prayer ushers in fresh energy when I am dealing with a rough situation. It reminds me to work on the things that I can and peacefully let everything else go.

4. Help Others. Encouraging others is a great way to feel good about yourself. When you offer your services to someone else, it takes the focus off of your problems. Empower not only an individual but also the larger community by working collectively. Whether it’s your time, expertise, physical assistance or money, there are numerous ways that you can give back.

5. Forgive. Refusing to forgive is an easy way to give your joy away. I know this first-hand. When we hold fast to anger, resentment, and grudges, it hurts the offended far more than it hurts the offender. I find that forgiving is a healthy way to release toxic energy, like bitterness. It is also often the first step in healing a poor relationship.

In the end

Cultivating a life ripe with good vibrations can be done with a new perspective, lots of gratitude, a helping hand, and a little peace and forgiveness. Empowered with the tools to reject the distraction of the mere appearance of positivity, we are well on our way to living long days with love, joy, and “good vibes only.”