Got a Bad Attitude?

http://www.upworthy.com/we-all-know-someone-who-has-a-really-negative-outlook-on-life-heres-why-thats-not-so-great?c=hpstream

Cynics. Pessimists. Negative Nancy’s. We all know one, love one, hey—maybe we even are one. Your whole life people have encouraged having a positive attitude for reasons that understandably revolve around forming better relationships and being kinder to one another. But what if you found out that cynicism could actually be contributing to some pretty serious medical conditions? 

Now, as stated in the Upworthy video linked above, this connection is a tricky one to solidify. Research is still being done to better nail down the relationship between bad attitudes and health conditions such as dementia or heart disease. Until that research is done, this leaves room for a little estimation. 

It makes sense that skeptics experience less pleasure than optimists, but is that entirely based on circumstance? The philosophy of a self fulfilling prophecy can be pretty powerful. If you tell yourself you’re going to have a bad day, then you make the means by which you actually have a good day incredibly high and most likely unattainable. The connection between the body and mind is a powerful one, and some people find that even saying the words “I’m having fun” out loud or forcing yourself to smile immediately begin to brighten one’s mood. 

It makes sense, then, that those who practice a more optimistic view on life may tend to enjoy life more, and therefore may even care more about how long they get to live it. This is of course just a theory, and perhaps a weak one, but still food for thought. 

Persistent problems such as depression and anxiety are sure to contribute to pessimistic attitudes, and there is no shortage of research linking physical side affects to mental health issues. This leads back to what  is said towards the end of the video: that a negative attitude is completely reversible! 

If you find yourself with an attitude on life that is causing stress or harm to yourself or others around you, consider the anxiety that may exist in your mind. If you feel so inclined, look into our website for more information on how you can schedule an appointment with us. Together we can foster a more positive attitude and improve your quality of life!

All of our blogs are written by Forward Counseling staff or interns.

The Intricacy of Addiction

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QZ-1cq8ibwg

This is a clip of a dance performed in Season 5 of the TV show, So You Think You Can Dance. The piece was titled “Addiction” and was choreographed to the music of Sara Bareilles’ song, “Gravity.” Not only is this a beautiful dance, but it so artistically paints the struggles of addiction, whether it be to alcohol, drugs, a lover, etc. Notice how the female dancer runs to her oppressor in the beginning. She chooses to go to him, though she remains emotionless as the dance begins. Her run to him is aggressive and magnetic. She does not appear to be happy about the contact, yet she knows she needs it. His movement begins slowly, and then quickens progressively, much like addiction.

Shortly after, the male makes motions as if to give her life. By the pull of his hand, she springs forward. He makes her feel alive, and she proceeds to fall back into him. Most of the dance consists of the male artfully maneuvering the female. It is a constant rhythm of rising and falling. She runs from him and he catches up. They literally leap and bow in unison, representing the intricacy behind the pull that addiction can have on a person’s life. The addiction is with that person when they’re at their lowest, and yet highest points too. And this is one reason that addiction can be so hard to dispel.

Notice at the line of the song, “All I still know is that you’re keeping me down,” the male is literally prohibiting her outstretched hand. He also covers her mouth multiple times in the dance, representing how difficult it can be to reach out and get help. Also notice that right after holding her down, the male helps to lift her back up. He gently catches her falling head and lifts her up to control her again. This reflects the way in which an addiction not only hurts, but supports a person. Addiction is a tangled web of emotions, desires, and will. It is not black and white, and this dance illustrates that beautifully. 

Finally, note the most important part: she breaks free from him in the end. It was a battle, and not an easy one in the slightest, but by the time the lights come up on these dancers, the female is standing alone, not facing him, not looking back. She is moving forward.