Positive Reinforcement

I believe in the power of being positive.

Obviously I'm not trying to say I am always positive about everything, because that is definitely not true. Especially recently. There is so much to be negative about. That doesn't mean it should be something to dwell on.

All this occurred to me today. First, I had a meeting with one of the staff members from Campus Crusade for Christ and my roommate. I was asked what I needed prayer for and after thinking about it and listening to my roommate, the prayer request hit me. I need to be more positive. I seem to put a positive outlook on things when talking to or encouraging other people, but in general I personally end up looking at the worst side of situations or possible outcomes.
Then, at track practice I was reminded again how positivity feels. After struggling with track for the past couple weeks I felt shameful in front of my coaches, the feeling of not being good enough slowly creeping further and further into my mind and body. After another throw in the javelin and eventually transitioning to hurdles I hear a "Good job Siri!" from both coaches who seem rare to please. Those words seem so simple, but to me are just what I need to keep pushing on. They drive my will to succeed and give me hope to move on with my abilities.

It's hard for me to believe people when they say they do well under critical, forceful pressure from a coach, teacher, etc. Deep down I know we all want that uplifting praise from someone who has faith in us, why wouldn't that make a person feel good?

Think positive! Don't give up! When all else fails, trust that God loves and cherishes you no matter what. (Thanks Jay)
:)