Divine Definitions: (1) God is the best there is; embodying the highest ideals; (2) Independent of changes; absolutely objective; (3) Beyond all doubt or qualification; undeniable; sure; (4) Full of conviction; certain; confident; resolute; (5) Affirmer of practical reality; (6) Directing everything with constructive momentum toward progress; (7) Contributing to everyone’s growth; constructive
Comment: Most institutional religions look to move away from the negative, preventing sin, and avoiding evil. The positive attitude is to turn your sight to the light, embracing goodness, seeking truth, and appreciating beauty. Foresight works better than hindsight.
POSITIVITY
Human Definitions: (1) indicating acceptance, approval, or affirmation <She received a positive response.>; (2) the best of a kind; good; ideal; favorable <He was a positive role model to the class.>; (3) marked by optimism <We enjoyed their refreshing positive point of view.>; (4) existing in fact or by the presence of something and not by its absence; real; (5) beyond all doubt or qualification; undeniable; sure; uncontestable <He offered positive proof.>; (6) confident; fully assured; firmly convinced; decided; <The witness gave a positive identification.>; (7) resolute; in agreement; affirmative; certain <Her answer was a positive “yes.”>; (8) building progressive growth <We made positive, practical improvement.>; (9) making a definite contribution; constructive <He took the positive approach and the results were evident.>; (10) explicitly laid down; direct; precise; specific <The engineer knew he had to take a positive line.>; (11) independent of changes, circumstances, opinion, or taste; inherent <as is objective reality>
Music: “Master Blaster” {1980}
When you’re moving in the positive
your destination is the brightest star.
— Stevland Hardaway Morris [aka Stevie Wonder] (1950-)
Quotes:
• Positive thoughts can be a powerful influence for good. — Peace Pilgrim [born Mildred Lisette Norman] (1908-1981) Steps Toward Inner Peace {2021}
• One positive statement of good is more powerful than 1,000 negative thoughts; and two positive statements of good are more powerful than 10,000 negative thoughts — Catherine Ponder (1927-) The Dynamic Laws of Prosperity {1962}
• Our lives are not determined by what happens to us but by how we react to what happens; not by what life brings to us, but by the attitude we bring to life. A positive attitude causes a chain reaction of positive thoughts, events, and outcomes. — Valen E. Keefer [nee Cover] (1983-) Polycystic kidney disease survivor
Consideration: A study reported in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology {1965–present} ties pessimism to poor health. In 1946, Harvard graduates were asked a series of questions designed to reflect their natural outlook when confronted with bad situations. Their health was studied for the next thirty-five years. By matching results from the earlier questions with actual health outcomes, researchers found those who viewed bad events in a relatively positive light tended to have substantially less illness than those who were less than positive.
Symbol: daisies