Good Apples

Last week I sat down and watched the news…sadly it was the first time in months. 

Wow! It was intense, to say the least. The first story was about a 9 yr. old being shot in a drive-by and the next was on a 93 yr. old man being jumped and carjacked. There is so much bad in this world, that it can be classified unfathomable. 

I understand there is evil in this world and I am not naive to what happens around me. 

However, if I were sit around and dwell on this negativity it would eat me up like the monster that it is. 

So I am challenging myself to look inward... & focus on the positive in this world and in my life. 

Throughout life we either have or are going to encounter bad apples. These are people who let the negativity control their lives and ruin others. 

We can't fall victim to the rotten fruits but overcome and persevere the negativity. 

It is easy to let the bad apples' thoughts and actions affect our thoughts and actions. The hard part is standing up to this negativity and dust your shoulders off (jay-z voice). 

Do you ever get so inspired that you feel like doing something unimaginable (at least for me) like running a marathon or winning a national contest? I LIVE FOR THAT FEELING. 

Here is a little list of somethings that will help keep the bad apples away: 

• Always Wear A Smile
• Not the creepy, forced smile but a genuine, warm smile. People will naturally feel more relaxed and comfortable around you. It will also make you feel better. 
• Remember Your Worth 
• A lot of times we undervalue who we are and over value what we are not. Take a moment to tell yourself 5 things that you truly appreciate about yourself. Be so secure in yourself you can just laugh it off when you hear other people's opinions about you. 
• Clean Up
• Take an hour (for me 4) and clean your room. I'm talking vacuum out and sweat dripping' cleaning. Make sure you dust off those books and windex your window to let the sun in. 
• Perform A Random Act of Kindness
• Random acts of kindness are the easiest ways to feel better about yourself and the world around you. It can be as easy as holding the door open for someone or calling your grandmother.

Next time you get down from the negativity remember that you never know who you could be inspiring…