MaryMcKay

According to senior Sarah Mohammed, “positivity is like a mindset. It’s really like, what you’re gonna gain out of something, what you think going in is how something will turn out.”

It is easier to achieve happiness when you begin with a positive mindset. The second semester attitude is especially important. 

Only about 27% of students feel more positive during the second semester, but a positive mindset can make the last few months of the school year much more enjoyable. 

Theology teacher Mr. Kory Delkamiller always has a smile on his face and something positive to say. The importance of a positive mindset and how gratitude affects it is something that Delkamiller is passionate about.

“[A positive mindset] energizes me. It gives me strength and courage to face and do what I need to; when there isn’t that positivity there, I get bogged down and sluggish,” Delkamiller said.

An individual’s outlook on life can significantly affect their mental and physical well-being. When looking at life with a glass half-full view, individuals are more likely to have the energy to do what needs to be done. 

Especially in tough times, whether that is second-semester burnout or something deeper, “tapping into” gratitude makes difficult times more manageable. 

“Honor your feelings, wherever you are with them, but don’t leave yourself in a dark place. Give yourself fuel to get through that. One of those things is gratitude,” Delkamiller said.

He describes gratitude as the “anchor for everything;” it keeps people present, energized and motivated. 

Instead of looking forward, stay in the moment. Especially seniors, don’t take this time for granted; be grateful for what is given. Students can be bored with their time, or they can re-visualize the situation with positivity.

“There’s a treasure in the moment. Everything will change if students can stay in that way with gratitude and presence. Your whole outlook brightens,” Delkamiller said. 

“There’s a treasure in the moment. Everything will change if students can stay in that way with gratitude and presence. Your whole outlook brightens.”  

Mr. Kory Delkamiller

Similarly, “for school, as they can be super tough and super like, negative and sad, I focus on, like, what I like about school. Like, I like, come here, see my friends, see my favorite teachers, and enjoy class,” Mohammed said.

By finding the little things that are enjoyable instead of focusing on the negatives, it is easier to work through difficult or boring times.  

Particular virtues can help cultivate positivity in your life. 

Kindness, gentleness, understanding and acceptance of yourself and others can help you transform a negative attitude into a positive one. 

Along with those virtues, smiling can “program” something in you. It gives you positive energy and can also help those around you find happiness in their day. 

A method Delkamiller uses to motivate himself positively is meditation. “Reflecting on what I received as a gift and expressing gratitude. And what did I miss? What opportunities did I have to use my virtues and miss?”

According to Psychology Today and Research.com, gratitude increases dopamine and serotonin in the brain. It is scientifically proven that practicing gratitude chemically increases happiness. 

Furthermore, gratitude and positivity have many researched health benefits. 

They improve sleep, lower high blood pressure, help prevent overeating, motivate exercise, strengthen the immune system, improve pain tolerance, help with glucose leveling, help with heart illnesses and have even been recognized to extend lifespan. 

Gratitude is healing.