Embracing Positivity
Middle School Prefect, Eliza, challenged us to focus positively on the power of everyday moments.
Each week, our student leaders share their insights with their peers in Assembly.
When brainstorming what I could write about for today, I hit a block. I had so many things to say, yet no idea how to express them. Focusing on the negatives—how I couldn’t think of anything to write—I decided to take a break. I needed to clear my head.
Even in Year 12, I still find it hard to wrap my head around some things. A walk or run, a chat with Mum, or a quick dance break often puts my mind back in the groove.
After my break, I felt more positive, like I could conquer some schoolwork and brainstorm ideas with a fresh perspective.
Over the past 17 years, I’ve noticed that people—including me—tend to focus on the negatives. For example, negative feedback always overshadows the positive. A mean comment outweighs a kind one. Why is this? Why can’t we focus on the positives rather than the negatives?
I know that receiving a disappointing school grade or not making the sports team you wanted can feel like a setback, but there is always a silver lining. You might tell yourself, I tried my best. How can I improve? Maybe this will actually be a good thing.
That disappointing grade might teach you something valuable—how to write an effective English topic sentence, for example. Not making the team might push you to bond with new people, some of whom, in my experience, may become your best friends.
Positivity, joy, and optimism can be found even in the most difficult circumstances. Take Winnie the Pooh, for example. Winnie always looks on the bright side, even when things go wrong. He enjoys the company of his friends and honey, never letting problems ruin his day. What I relate to most about Winnie is his gratitude for the small things. He constantly appreciates the everyday gifts that often go unnoticed. As he says, “A day without laughter is a day wasted.”
Shifting from negative to positive thoughts is easier than you might think. My grandfather is a perfect example of this. He taught me how to read smoothly, how to laugh to my full capacity and how to work hard. Whenever he picked me up from primary school, he always wanted to hear about my day. No matter how bad his day had been, he made a conscious effort to leave it at the door and start fresh—to focus on the positive rather than the negative. His cheerful and optimistic character is something I admire most about him.
As we move through Year 12, heading into our final 32 weeks of School, a positive mindset and a ‘can-do’ attitude are vital. This is where friends and family are most important. They lift you up, make you laugh and help turn a negative mindset into one of optimism.
Over the past year, I have tried to be as present as possible with my family. After all, it is the happiness in ordinary moments that we truly remember. These are the memories I will treasure for a long time.
Family should be your ‘pearls’. As we move further into Term 1 after a long break, I challenge you to smile a little more, offer a positive comment instead of a negative one, and tell your family a funny story from School. I guarantee that your mood, perspective, and ‘grit’ will strengthen—resulting in your very own ‘pearl’.