Affirmation:
I choose kindness, positivity, and self-awareness to guide my words and actions today.
—
Dear Diary,
Today I began a challenging, thought-provoking journey: seven days of saying nothing negative. At first glance, it seems simple. But is it really? Let me share the steps guiding my quest:
1. Set Clear Intentions
Start each day with a goal. Write down a positive affirmation like, “I choose kindness and positivity today.”
2. Increase Awareness
Think before speaking. Ask yourself, “Is this necessary? Is it kind? Is it constructive?”
3. Reframe Negative Thoughts
Instead of complaining, focus on solutions. For example, rather than saying, “It’s so cold outside,” try, “This weather makes me appreciate being cozy indoors.”
4. Practice Gratitude
Reflect on what’s good. Today, I’m grateful for:
1. My Lord.
2. My sanity.
3. My health.
5. Surround Yourself with Positivity
Seek uplifting books, music, or people, and avoid drama or excessive negativity.
6. Use Substitutions
Replace negative phrases with neutral or positive ones. For instance, instead of saying, “I hate Mondays,” I’ll say, “Monday is a fresh start.”
7. Forgive Yourself for Slip-Ups
Mistakes happen. Acknowledge them, apologize if needed, and move forward.
8. Reflect Daily
Journal about the experience, noting successes and how reframing negativity impacts your mood.
—
Dear Diary,
Here’s how today went:
I started hopeful and optimistic, ready to embrace this challenge. But almost immediately, I slipped. Someone told me yard was canceled due to snow, and I blurted, “Damn, this is some bullshit!” Mistake number one. I reminded myself to stay aware.
As the day unfolded, I noticed how deeply ingrained negativity is—in my thoughts, my surroundings, even in the words of those I consider positive. It made me question: What defines negativity? Is it shaped by religion, culture, community, environment, or the individual?
I’m in one of the most negative places in New Jersey, yet even here, positivity exists. Still, the contrast is stark. I work in the cookhouse, and I’ve observed that some of the free staff are more negative than the incarcerated men. It’s ironic—and humbling.
I find substituting negative phrases with positive ones to be a challenge. For now, I remain silent when I can’t find the words. But I’ll try harder. For example, instead of saying, “I hate my job in the cookhouse,” I’ll say, “I’m grateful for meaningful work.”
Forgiving myself for slip-ups feels crucial. If I don’t forgive myself, who will?
—
Dear Diary,
What is negativity? What is positivity? Who decides what’s kind or constructive? Can positivity even exist without negativity to contrast it? And, Dear Diary, who are we to strive to be godly in a world that thrives on duality?
