Why Do This?

 I love to write, to express myself in words, to capture my emotions on paper.

My goal when I began Kissimple was to write daily, the "for fun" type writing, I mean. I write daily in my professional life, but that type writing actually stifles my creativity. Business and technical writing I do well, very well. What I want to do well is creative writing. And, I know that takes daily work/practice.

These entries are mostly just for me -- which is good because I think I'm the only person reading them. There have been posts were I've stretched and others were I've just let the juices flow.

Even though I say I'm writing these posts for little old me, I'd love to find a medium where I would get feedback on the things I write so I can use it to improve. (I hear someone out there saying, "go take a class.") I got my undergraduate degree in English and took freelance writing classes to no avail. I'm happy as long as my writing keeps improving... even if its just for me, myself and I.

I recently applied for a paid writer position. I didn't have a fancy portfolio of references and publications. I have my business/technical writing, Linkedin articles and this blog -- not exactly the mark of a professional. I knew it when I applied, but I hoped my enthusiasm and promise would appeal to them. 

One positive from that experience is I got a human to email me about not making the cut... a rarity in this time of bots. I wrote her back and thanked her very much for letting me know, that it was much appreciated.

smile

Stay Positive

Being positive is my natural state. Which leads to me share an observation. People are more drawn more to negative news, complaining, creating and joining in the drama of every day life. I think it's because these negative voices are louder, they attract more attention and they illicite consolation. 

You don't get the same type response when you're sending out positive messages. And yet, being positive has so many rewards. 

The health rewards of a positive attitude include: 

Increased life span.

Lower rates of depression.

Lower levels of distress.

Greater resistance to the common cold and other sicknesses.

Better psychological and physical well-being.
Better cardiovascular health and reduced risk of death from cardiovascular disease.

As if these weren't enough reasons, here are the top five benefits of positive thinking:

Better stress-coping mechanisms. 
Better mental health. 
Better physical health. 
Better social life. 
More success.

 My goal in life is to be happy. With this one guiding principle, everything else falls into place. These rules work for me, so I'm sharing.

Worrying doesn't help, it only makes you crazy.

Stick with positive people and avoid the negative ones.

Misery does indeed love company, so don't get dragged into negativity.

Complaining makes you feel bad and can cause others to avoid you.

Complaining never fixes anything, instead take positive action.

Find and focus on the positive - it's there if you look for it.

Know you can't change other people, only yourself.

You are responsible for your own happiness!

Here are some practices to think positive thoughts

Focus on the good things. Challenging situations and obstacles are a part of life.

Practice gratitude.

Keep a gratitude journal.

Open yourself up to humor and be able to laugh at yourself,

Spend time with positive people.

Practice positive self-talk.

Identify your areas of negativity.

Start every day on a positive note.

Given the choice of walking through each day in sunshine vs. darkness, I'll chose sunshine very time. Let's all get happier and spread this brightness around. It will make a huge difference.