July 21, 2014
All this Hate
The theme of internet trolls has been on my mind for a while now. Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, comment boards … is it just me or is the internet being suffocated by negativity and hate? Not necessarily directed at any single thing, but just in general. Maybe I’m visiting the wrong sites but everybody thinks they’re an expert and can’t wait to tell you you’re wrong, or something sucks and why the hell did that person even bother trying?
The troll? The armchair critic slinging snarky quips behind the safety of a keyboard. Firing sarcastic bullets at those in the trenches. Are you a creator? Someone who makes something. Someone who lets themselves be vulnerable in front of an audience, who contributes something new and hopeful to an increasingly dark and depressing world.
From the moment your alarm goes off in the morning to the second you begin to fall into deep slumber, there will be a daily barrage of negativity and angst thrown your way. We all know that one person who instantly changes the energy for the worse when he enters a room. Most individuals of this sort behave negatively not just to you, but to everyone they interact with. Even when a situation seems personal – even if someone insults you directly – it oftentimes has nothing to do with you. I want nothing but to help others I always have. It is who I am, however any one that knows me knows I have had a very pessimistic outlook and a very unhealthy acceptance to that outlook. And this outlook sometimes causes me to get very annoyed at those people who seem to be overly optimistic. And I get quite depressed from it. I quickly have to remind myself that line of thinking is wrong. I have a long way to go to undo all the negativity that was poured into me over the years.
You can’t always save the world, but you can make the world a better place by practicing what you preach – by becoming self-aware, tapping into your compassion, and protecting your positive space. Doing simple things like talking about what you have accomplished today, mutual friends, hobbies, and positive news. You are in complete control of the manner in which you choose to respond to what others say and do. The problem isn’t that the events are negative; the problem is the way you react to those events. Some people complain as a way of crying for help. They may not be conscious of it though.
Complaining, blaming and criticizing aren’t going to change the situation. It is not always easy to find happiness in ourselves, but it is always impossible to find it elsewhere. Remember, you can’t have a positive life with a negative attitude. When negativity controls your thoughts, it limits your behavior, actions, and opportunities.
I never realized how powerful my thoughts really were. Had I known this earlier in life I would have never thought a negative thought again. Lost in pessimism, oftentimes I used negativity as a barrier to protect myself from the world, which in turn blocked me from solutions that could improve my life. What I have slowly been trying to make myself to do while trying to figure out where I belong in the world is to spend my energy on moving forward toward a positive resolution. Remember, when you focus on solutions, by thinking and acting positively, sound becomes music, movement becomes dance, a smile becomes laughter, and life becomes a celebration.
Don’t let anyone’s ignorance, hate, drama or negativity stop you from being the best person you can be. Let your guard down. Talk to someone you don’t know straight from your heart. Compliment them. Don’t anticipate an awkward encounter, just be yourself in that beautiful way only you know, and give someone the chance to smile and connect with you. Sometimes, a kind word and some attention from a friend is all that’s needed to turn a negative attitude around. Resist the urge to judge or assume. It’s hard to offer compassion when you assume you have a person figured out. Let them know they are not alone.
When you’re enjoying your greatest success and happiest days you must always understand that there will be tumultuous times ahead. Nobody has the perfect life. It simply does not exist. Acknowledge the negativity, accept it, and let it pass through your consciousness, thereby teaching you a lesson but not ruining your day.
Life is full of highs and lows, but you don’t have to go up and down with them. We develop from the negatives when we accept them and learn from them. This cycle is all part of the human experience. Relax, let go a little, and enjoy the ride.
I had to live though these things in the past, and although unfortunate, they can’t be changed. But if the only place they live today is in my mind, then I have to let go, move on, and be happy. One can decide right now that negative experiences from your past will not predict your future.
Don’t be afraid to burn bridges Burn it down and walk way. If all else fails, remove yourself from the wrong situations and relationships. Letting go of negative people doesn’t mean you hate them, it just means that you care about your own well-being. Choose friends who you are proud to know–people you admire, who love and respect you, and always make your day a little brighter simply by being in it.
