The Magic Ratio
A few weeks ago I was nosing through the airport library donation box while waiting for my daughter and grandchildren to arrive. The title "How Full is Your Bucket" caught my eye and I scooped it up to "check it out" from the airport library.
It's been an interesting read and is all about the impact of the impact of our positive and negative interactions with others.
It begins with a story of the how a North Korean POW camp had the highest death rate in US military history. It wasn't because they tortured and outright killed people. Rather, they intentionally created a culture of extreme negativity resulting in hopelessness and a complete surrender both physically and mentally.
On a happier note, it goes on to explain how positive experiences can be even more powerful. I wanted to share with you some of the results of the positivity research found in the book.
- 9 out of 10 people say they are more productive when they are around positive people
- It takes 5 positive interactions to balance 1 negative interaction (the magic ratio)
- Increasing positive emotions can lengthen the life span by 10 years
- Optimism can ward off and shorten the duration of a the common cold
It's clear when reviewing all the research that optimism leads to a happier healthier life. Yet by our very nature, we are programmed to look out for the worst to keep us safe.
This means that to fill your bucket with sufficient positivity, it requires steady, daily practice. I have definitely found that I am more positive, motivated and have a greater sense of happiness when I utilize the sections of my journal dedicated to cultivating positivity (My Commitment to Me, Affirmations & Mindset Shifts, Gratitude, Thoughts on How I Celebrate Me, Beauty I Noticed and What Gave Me Joy).
I always knew these practices made me feel better, I just didn't realize how important they were to my overall well being.
If you don't have a daily positivity practice of some sort, I hope today's email encourages you to create one. And if you find daily structure is useful to you in making it happen, you can check out the JMB Living Journal by clicking on the link below.
Here's to good health and happiness! Julie
I couldn't land on just one affirmation to share today,
so pick which one resonates most with you.
- I choose to see the good in all things today.
- Positive energy flows through me and around me.
- I radiate joy, even in simple moments.
- I welcome today with a hopeful heart.
- I trust that something good is on its way.
- I am a magnet for peaceful, positive experiences.
- I nourish my mind with kind and empowering thoughts.
- I plant seeds of positivity wherever I go.
What We Loved This Week
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