Our readers believe that a positive attitude is well worth having in life as it could be a lifeline that keeps them floating. They say this attitude is what helps one deal with problems without losing one’s sense of balance and helps face difficulties without losing hope Life is a complex journey that often takes unexpected turns which is difficult to explain and understand. But sooner or later one will realise that the only driving force that helps an individual to push forward is one’s positive attitude. It is the only alternative to successfully dealing with hardships of life. We need to learn not only to enjoy life at the happiest but also train ourselves to look into life with optimism when it hits the lows. Our minds need to be trained from childhood to look at life from a positive angle. I suffered a serious injury on my left knee while playing soccer that turned my life upside down. From a normal healthy and enthusiastic individual my life got restricted to the four walls of my apartment either lying flat on my bed or confined to my chair for a few years while undergoing surgery, physiotherapy and exercises to get my normal walking posture back. Only a positive hope that I will recover completely helped me through this painful journey. I realised that hope is the window to our soul.

— Saikat Kumar Basu, Street South, Lethbridge AB, Canada

Max Levchin, co-founder of Paypal, before introducing Paypal, started at least four businesses out of which three failed and the fourth one didn’t fail completely but still it didn’t go great and the fifth company was Paypal. Today Paypal is the most popular and leading online payment service used worldwide. It tells a lot about the positivity of the person. No matter how much time we fail in our lives, we should never give up on our dreams and that is what positive attitude is all about. It is all about being kind to yourself despite many failures, believing in you/your ability, never giving up, having patience, facing the challenges with courage and calmness. Holding on to positive attitude is not always easy. It is much easier for us to get stressed or depressed over small challenges. We can always seek positivity around us through books, music, movies, articles or anything. I often meditate to bring positivity in me.

— Barkha Jallan, Bafal, Kathmandu

Positive attitude leads to success and is the source of happiness. But our   positive attitude cannot be developed by others, it is within us. It helps to cope more easily with the daily affairs of life. It brings optimism into our life and makes it easier to deal with worries and negative thinking. If we adopt it as the way of life, it would bring constructive changes in our life and make us happier, brighter and more successful. Positive attitude is never automatic. It should be built by means of our thinking, views and actions. Maintaining a positive attitude depends upon the way how we take things. I usually attempt to think positively so that I’m able to enjoy a tension-free life. Now it’s your turn.

— Bishwas Regmi, Dang

It is undeniable that possessing a positive attitude is the step forward in paving the way towards a better tomorrow. However, it’s quite difficult to a nourish positive attitude. Whenever we fail to keep our resolutions despite our struggles, a detrimental frustration creeps in. Because of this, our positive attitude gets replaced by a negative mentality. It’s human nature to be upset in failures. I recently graduated +2, so in the free time before joining Bachelor’s I decided to be involved in skill-oriented job opportunity. But as youngsters we are tagged with words like inexperienced and fickle, so despite many attempts I was not able to grab a single opportunity. This resulted in frustration. So, negative thoughts started building towards society and our stagnating policies. In such a condition, it is tough to come up with a positive attitude. But for positive change we need to start a new journey. Positive change is a vehicle which runs with the wheel called struggle but the journey is impossible without the fuel called self-confidence.

— Aayush Karki, Balaju, Nepaltar

Our attitude is the thing that has the power to pull us towards success or to push us towards failure. Whenever we are swamped by difficulties, positive attitude helps us overcome it. It is human nature that one cannot remain positive all the time. So, it is difficult to maintain a positive attitude, but if attempted, it is not a difficult task. I have experienced this. Once I was unable to concentrate on my studies due to some family problems and I was getting low grades. My father knew what was going on. He then encouraged me not to worry and study well. Bad times come to everyone, so in that situation I tried to maintain a positive attitude — every problem will be settled. It was difficult but I tried not to worry. Very soon the problems were solved and taking positive attitude in my stride, I also started to study properly. Thanks to my dad for helping me inculcate that positive attitude. Truly, positive attitude does not solve all the problems, but it provides the power to overcome difficult situation.

— Shilpi Agrawal, Kalaiya-5

Always expecting the best is not a solution but at least positive attitude brings in new hope, which leads us to a better path, whereas negativity makes the time harder and we will go through the phase of fear, pressure and frustration. We may have the fear of failure and self-doubt which creates more problems. In such a situation, we should develop new skills and understand that those obstacles are not permanent. We should stay focused, we must have faith in ourselves, and the most important — patience. If something doesn’t work out, we mustn’t lose our hope, we should keep trying.

— Kushal Phuyal, Bageshwori-7, Bhaktapur

It is true that positive attitude helps, but it is not easy while we are under pressure in some situations. So we may lose our cool and make the situation worse. So to overcome that, people should be calm, forgiving, hopeful, understanding... there are lots of practices to be positive, but mostly with the thought — you are right and I am also right. I had some life experiences that I now regret when I misunderstood the person and worsened the situation, which could have been handled with a ‘positive attitude’.

— Churney

The most important discovery of all time is that positive attitude causes a chain reaction of positive thoughts, events and outcomes with a extraordinary results. It was after my marriage when the positive attitude lying within me vibrated in great motion as I entered a new level of responsibility and challenge to continue my studies. I had to work in Surkhet to educate my wife postponing  my own academic career for a year. This was a time of extreme challenge for my academic enrichment but positive emotions enhanced my ability to build my skills and develop resources. I was able to pursue my educational career after a year with dual Masters degree. Optimism is the only human trait that helped me improve my situation and to hope for a better tomorrow.

— Thirendra Kumar Subedi, Kalyan-5, Surkhet

I agree that positive attitude is always beneficial to us as it helps to minimise our stress and tension. Negativity leads us into darkness and causes headache. There are many benefits of having a positive attitude, the main is that you are inspired and motivated, it helps to deal with any kind of problem. I have also started to think positively. I have realised that positive attitude can make your daily activities more fun and exciting. I used to be angry at everyone all the time, but when I heard the benefits of having a positive attitude on radio/television, I started following this path. Meditation is the source from where you can get positive attitude and long deep breathing can also help you.

— Anonymous

Life is full of trials and tribulations. Life, as we expect, does not go smoothly. Difficult, painful circumstances occur. Such situations can be handled easily if our mind is equipped with positive vibes. Positive attitude is beneficial as it leads to happiness, contentment and a balanced way of life. Once I had lost hope at work and used to feel suffocated. Humiliation grew because my colleagues used to insult me as I lacked English-speaking skill. Fortunately, my mother’s words inspired me to go beyond my limitations. She always reminded me of my capacity and suggested to have faith in me. Whenever I feel low and down, I recall her words and I re-energise my mind and soul. We should cultivate our mind with positive thoughts. When we inculcate positive thoughts in our mind and practice it, it releases our mental pain and we start viewing things differently. To be self-encouraged, one must have a positive attitude.

— Bhawana Bhandari, Traffic Chowk, Butwal -6

“We can’t change our future but our attitude can shape our future, all humans have positive qualities but we almost fail to show it when it’s necessary.” Two years ago I went on an educational field trip with Class IX-X students. I was strict with the students there. One of my students got angry and showed his anger on Facebook. It became such a critical incident for me. After returning from the trip, school resumed but I found that student was not behaving normally, and bowed his head in my class. After seeing all these I changed my attitude towards him. l met him personally and had a proper talk with him. He realised his fault and was sorry. He changed his behaviour towards me. It is an important lesson for me — positive attitude does lead to success.

— Mathura Adhikari, Banepa

People are continually admonished to have a positive attitude as it helps us beat difficulties in life. I do agree with the statement as it is always worthy to have a positive attitude as it allows us to be physically and emotionally stable, makes us give another chance to our dreams and makes a successful person. It is also true that most of the times it is difficult to be positive as situations may flood away our spirit. But determination will help us overcome obstacles. When I was rejected from all places where I applied for jobs in one year’s period, I could have lost hope and gone into depression, but positive attitude in me kept me balanced and I gave my best. Now, I am in a good position and successful.

— Anonymous

It is obvious that to develop positivity when everything goes well is easy, but if hard times strike, it may be difficult to maintain the same positivity. If we train our minds to develop positivity, our minds do not see anything negative, not even in hard times. We got to train our minds to be positive. Being positive is always beneficial. Hard times such as lack of money, joblessness, uncertain future and risks in investment were striking me down again and again, but I was optimistic that one day everything would be all right. Finally I got the job of my dream in a multinational company. Now I am a senior engineer in the same company. If  I had a negative attitude in hard times I would have never ever gotten success. So, I believe in positivity in every step of life as it rejuvenates the mind and body. I always believe ‘change is inevitable and so are hard times’.

— Nirmal  Nepal, Balaju, Kathmandu

I agree it is beneficial to have a positive attitude. A positive person anticipates happiness, health and success and believes s/he can overcome any obstacle and difficulty. Positive attitude is not accepted by everyone. Some consider it nonsense but there is a growing number of people who accept positive attitude as a fact. To use it in your life, you need more than just awareness. You need to adopt the attitude of positive thinking in everything you do. In order to turn  the mind towards the positive, some inner work is required since attitude and thought do not change overnight. A positive attitude helps you cope more easily with the daily affairs of life. It brings optimism into your life and makes it easier to deal with worries and negative thinking. If you adopt it as a way of life, it would bring constructive changes in your life, and make you happier, brighter and more successful.

— Jaspreet Singh, Kupondole, Lalitpur

We are often advised to have a positive attitude so that when we are swamped by difficulties, it will be helpful for us to overcome the same. I agree that it is always beneficial to have a positive attitude. A positive attitude leads to happiness and success and can change our life. If you look on the bright side of life, your whole life becomes filled with light. This light affects not only you and the way you look at the world, but it also affects your environment and people around you. With a positive attitude you see the bright side of life, become optimistic and expect the best to happen. It is certainly a state of mind that is worth developing. If positive attitude is strong, it becomes contagious. It’s as if you radiate light around you.

— Hari Ohm Bhandari, Kupondole, Lalitpur

I was admitted in a hospital for a couple of weeks last year after a serious accident. And I am sure, as much as the medicines and diet helped me with my recovery, a positive outlook towards the situation was equally important. I lay in the hospital bed — unable to eat, drink or speak. But then, I used to think: “At least I am able to breathe. I can see, I can hear, I can sleep, and I can walk.” A lot of people are not that fortunate. It could have been much worse for me. An optimistic approach is always important to take control over the harsh realities of life. We must learn to see the silver lining even in the darkest of clouds. We must remember that bad days do not last forever, and stressing over things only makes it worse.

— Prakshit Raj Shakya, New Road, Kathmandu

I agree that it is always beneficial to have a positive attitude. It is difficult to maintain a positive attitude in difficult times. When I was a school student, I was obedient and was at my best  behaviour. I was inspired by my teachers and I had positive attitude towards all. Everyone knew I was a student with a positive attitude. A new principal was appointed and he was not familiar with all students. One day I was helping my friend as he had a problem with our homework but our principal thought I was making noise and he slapped me. I stood quietly, and everyone knew I was not wrong. At that time my attitude and behaviour helped me overcome my situation and later on he came to know me and despite being the principal, he apologised for his mistake.

— Anonymous

Positive attitude is a must  to overcome the sorrows and difficulties of life. But positive attitude may not work all the time. Sometimes the attitude should be different. This can be easily justified from my life. I am a talented student, so my family members always keep positive attitude towards me. But nowadays I do not study properly and I do whatever I like. Many times I have been caught in the cinema halls by my neighbours, but when they complain to my father, he tells them, “He won’t go any more.” My father has such faith in me and I am taking  advantage of this trust. So my life has deviated from its original path. If they are not going to warn me and change their attitude towards me, I may be misguided and ruined. I don’t even like to study nowadays.  I don’t know what has happened to me. I am not serious towards my career and future. Therefore, I am in need of guidance and strict environment.

— Ravikant Yadav, Majhariya-06, Bara

I agree that having a positive attitude is always opportune because it gives rise to positive thought, which helps us find the remedy to problems. It is the only thing that helps us to try again and again during repeated failures. Once, one of my friends betrayed me by not coming to the venue he had invited me to. I waited for him for more than an hour. I was angry but it was my positive thought which helped me control my anger and motivated me to find the reason why he did not come. Later I found out he had a crucial task at his home and I realised I did the right thing by not saying anything bad to him.

— Kunal Yadav, Saptari

I agree it is always beneficial to have a positive attitude. It is easier to feel positive when everything goes well, but real positive thinking is revealed when you can maintain it in difficult times. It is then that you need it most. In difficult times, when there are problems and economic condition is tough, it is so easy to get into negative thinking and self-pity, and be sucked into a vicious circle of worries, fears and the expectation of more problems. You may read books and articles on positive thinking, and believe that you are positive, but when difficulties and rough times appear, you just forget everything and focus on the problems and difficulties, instead of believing in yourself, looking for solutions and seeking and seizing opportunities. Developing a positive attitude will lead you to happiness and success for which we have to look on the bright side of life, choose to stay optimistic, have faith in ourselves, choose positive thinking friends, focus on our good qualities and give ourselves a pat on the back, see problems as challenges and opportunities.

— Bidyaaz, Kathmandu

Having a positive attitude means focusing on the brighter side of a situation considering the negative aspects of the same. It doesn’t mean overlooking the cons of the situation and it also doesn’t mean having a positive attitude always gives desirable results. But it does keep our mind free from negative energy and improves our coping skills even if we receive unexpected or unfavourable results. I think positive attitude is beneficial in the sense that it pushes us to do better, helps us give our 100 per cent without blaming and expecting from others. It is sometimes difficult to stay positive in the hardest of times. And with the help of our motivation and self-evaluation, we can push ourselves up. But when in some situations we are so down that we can’t afford to do these by ourselves, we always have our family or friends or some near or dear ones to lean on and I know it helps. I appeared in an exam which was intended for permanent placement in my current job. Fifteen days prior to the exam, I was negative about the exam and I had already given up on the idea that I would even appear for it. I thought, ‘What will passing this exam even do to me? I already have plans.’ But two of my friends insisted, ‘Why don’t you just appear for the exam when you have already applied for it? Who knows your next plan might fail and you might have to stick with the job you’re doing.’ This helped me and I took the exam. I did pretty well. The results are yet to come but at least now I don’t have the regret that I didn’t  even appear for the exam.

— Neelima Sapkota, Maharajgunj, Kathmandu

It is believed that what makes us go up in our life is attitude. A combination of inborn temperament, experiences and continuous education is required to acquire a positive attitude. Continuous practice of discipline and dedication is essential to build and maintain a positive attitude. Once developed, it lasts throughout our life. People with a positive attitude have an ability to differentiate between the pros and cons of a situation, evaluate their actions effectively and make a rational decision. Such people are more focused on positive aspects of everything, recognise opportunities and they create a pleasant environment for themselves and others to live in. Positive attitude acts as a stepping stone towards success

— Retina Shrestha, Kalanki

Phool ko aankha ma phoolai sansara, kaada ko aankha ma kadai sansara — this world is always good and beautiful if our vision is positive. Where our vision is evil, we will only see a world of thorns and antagonism. Talking about positive attitude, the first name that strikes my mind is Mahatma Gandhi. During the Independence struggle in India, many people were seeking the same thing that Gandhi was, but since their attitude was negative, filled with hostility, they ended up achieving nothing worthwhile. But because Gandhi had an optimistic attitude, he gradually built a huge and strong army of pacifist patriots and consequently the British had to return Indians their land and make them free.

— Rahul Upadhyay, Birgunj, Murli

Yes, agree it is always beneficial to have a positive attitude because when we are swamped by difficulties, the one thing that uplifts our spirit can be our attitude towards others. The thing that counts and creates stairs that takes to success in our life is our attitude. We can alter our lives by altering our attitude. One day I was accused of stealing money which I hadn’t. Because of my positive attitude my parents didn’t believe the accusation, so they didn’t punish me.

— Udip Rauniyar, Birgunj

QUESTION OF THE WEEK Our children, like the adult population, are fans of different kinds of TV serials, masala movies and reality shows broadcast through the different television channels rather than children centred programmes. Such programmes are sure to make an impact on these innocent children. Should children be allowed to watch such programmes, or not? Why? ­Send your replies in not more than 200 words by Friday, May 14 by 2 pm to Features Department, The Himalayan Times, e-mail: features@thehimalayantimes.com