N is for Negative

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Today, I'm taking a look at being negative.

My dad was a quiet, shy, pessimistic/negative person. Look at his picture at the right--you can tell by the way he's sitting that he's shy and uncomfortable being the center of attention.

I’ve been accused of being more negative than positive. I used to be more shy than I am now, and of course, since I love blogging, I must thrive on attention. Right?

As for the negative trait? I’m not sure I totally agree but we often see ourselves the way we want to be—not the way we really are.

I admit I’m guilty of looking at what could happen if I did such ‘n such. I not only look at today but I look at tomorrow, the next day and a week from now. Unfortunately that affects my actions when I want to send my work to publishers or agents. I over-analyze and try to visualize the outcome: If I submit ABC story to 123 Magazine, I might be making a mistake. Would 456 Magazine be better? We’re supposed to choose the best publisher, but I usually stall and send to no one. Is second-guessing akin to being negative? Yeah, somewhat.  Especially when we let imagined consequences keep us from doing anything.

Negative means: bad: unhappy, discouraging, angry, or otherwise detracting from a happy situation; pessimistic: or tending to have a pessimistic outlook.

 Mmmm, is that really me? I've been told I'm a great encourager to others. I sure hope I'm not a drain on anyone's goals and dreams.

Honestly, I don’t think I’m negative, but if I am ... I got it from my dad. And he inherited from his mom who ... well, that's as far as my personal experience goes when it comes to pinpointing.

I’m posting a few quotes from Brainy Quote about negativity. They really speak to me. I'm terrible about letting others influence me. If you read my work or hear my pitch and raise an eyebrow in my direction, you're watering my doubt and insecurity. It grows. Are you the same? I hope not. It's a miserable way to be.

GREAT QUOTES:

If you accept the expectations of others, especially negative ones, then you never will change the outcome.~Michael Jordan

Positive thinking will let you do everything better than negative thinking will. ~Zig Ziglar

A lot of times people look at the negative side of what they feel they can't do. I always look on the positive side of what I can do. ~Chuck Norris

If you realized how powerful your thoughts are, you would never think a negative thought. ~Peace Pilgrim

A complainer is like a Death Eater because there's a suction of negative energy. You can catch a great attitude from great people. ~Barbara Corcoran 

Dwelling on the negative simply contributes to its power. ~Shirley MacLaine

Once you replace negative thoughts with positive ones, you'll start having positive results. ~Willie Nelson

 Which one speaks to you? Do you battle negativity? How? Looking back at family members, do you think your negativity was inherited or something you learned from a parent? Talk to me... and don't be negative!