For me, cultivating a positive, warm, and welcoming outlook isn't a choice; it's a necessity. It’s a conscious act of tending to my inner world, because I've learned that if I don't actively seek out the light, the darkness can and will creep in. It's not a matter of "depression" in the clinical sense, but more like a shadow—a quiet, pervasive sense of gloom that makes everything feel heavy and muted.
I’ve come to see a positive mindset not as a permanent state, but as a daily practice, much like tending a garden. Some days are effortless, while others require an active focus to manage negative thoughts and emotions.
This practice is my shield. It protects me from the low-hanging clouds that can threaten to block out the sun. By choosing this path, I'm not avoiding the tough parts of life. I'm just choosing how I'll face them. With a positive outlook, I'm better equipped to weather the storms, knowing that on the other side, there's always the promise of a better day. This journey is a testament to the fact that while darkness may exist, we always have the power to choose to live in the light.