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Negative emotions are associated with actions that were probably needed, and a great help to our ancestors in saving their skins, escaping, attacking and keeping themselves alive. As important, useful and vital as these reactions may be, negative emotions tend to limit our focus of attention and ideas, and lessen the possibilities of action.
In contrast, Positive Emotions tend to broaden our focus (Fredrickson & Branigan, 2005). This opens up many new possibilities and increases our personal resources. For example. emotions such as joy, love, interest and contentment create an urge to play, to be creative, to explore, enjoy life, to look for new opportunities, and to learn and grow.
Cultivating Happiness
Positive Emotions are not just a pleasant side of happiness. They also encourage personal growth and connection. “How to keep happiness is, for most men at all times, the secret motive for all they do” (william James, 1902). Happiness can be cultivated by using the things we already have, like kindness, humor, optimism and generosity. A person’s state of happiness or unhappiness colors everything. People who are happy perceive the world as safer. They find making decisions easier. They are more cooperative and live healthier. And they lead more energized and satisfied lives (Lyukomirsky Et al., 2005). A capacity for positive emotions is a basis for human strength, and cultivating good feelings is a part of Emotional Intelligence (Fredrickson, 2003).
Brighten Your Mood
When your mood is gloomy and your thinking is preoccupied with negative thoughts, life as a whole feels depressing. Let your mood brighten and your thinking broadens and becomes more playful and creative (Fredrickson, 2003). Your relationships, self-image, and your hopes for the future all seem more promising. Positive emotions fuel upward spirals.
This report is not a diagnosis. We hope this information can guide you toward improving your life.
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