But regardless of our own state of mind, I can't help but wonder how much we are affected by the mental attitudes of others. Even if we force ourselves to have a positive attitude about something, how much does the negativity of others still manage to drag us down?
It's quite unfortunate that humans have a greater tendency to be negative rather than positive. Or maybe it just seems that way. I find that it takes more energy, at times, for me to look on the bright side of things. Wallowing in negativity and self-loathing is such an easy thing to do....why can't it be the other way around?
This is why I am not always a fan of venting sessions. Of course we have all had these. Those times where things get too crazy, too out of control, where you're so stressed or so irritated you just have to let it all out, so you literally vent your feelings, frustrations, anything and everything to anyone who will listen. For some people this is theraputic. For others, it seems to just be a part of everyday life.
Does venting actually serve its purpose and relieve our anxieties, stresses, etc, or does it do nothing more than fuel the fire? From my own experience, I find that the more I analyze and talk about a negative situation the more upset I end up feeling. I talk and talk, and my words become more and more heated, until I literally have to force myself to step away from the issue and leave it alone for awhile.
Venting is a common feature of the workplace. We look to our coworkers as the ones who will listen to our complaints and lend a commiserating shoulder. It's only natural, and in a way can serve as a form of bonding between colleagues. But how beneficial is it to bond over negativity? And if all we do is complain to the same people over and over, doesn't that run the risk of wearing the relationship thin rather than build it up?
Some people, by nature, will always look to the negative. They will try to shoot down and idea before considering its potential, and they are quick to point out mistakes before complimenting what was done correctly. However, this doesn't necessarily mean anything. Some of us need to work through the problems at hand before we can dwell on the good things. Not necessarily a major character flaw, just a different process of thinking and communicating.
But how much of the negativity from others impacts our otherwise sunny dispositions? I think it affects us much more than we might think possible. As I mentioned above, it takes much more of our mental energy to stay upbeat. If others around you are looking at the glass half empty, the chances are significantly higher that you will soon adopt that same outlook. All it takes sometimes is comment, a look, hushed whispering, and suddenly your mind is reeling with suspicions.
Is there a solution? Probably not a definite one, especially if life circumstances force you to deal with secondhand negative energy on an almost daily basis. The best we can try to do is shut out bad thoughts and attitudes with a counter of positive thinking. If we do our part and keep our own positivity up, perhaps it will slowly infect those around us.
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