We often meet people in our lives who are unhappy. Sometimes they might not even realize it themselves. They might get angry at everything, or have trouble communicating. They might not like being alone with themselves for very long.
Is it possible to beat that state? There are many examples of people who do. So can you.
How to Break the Cycle of Negativity by Cultivating Gratitude
Acknowledging the good that you already have in your life is the foundation for all abundance.- Eckhart Tolle
Everyone has trouble from time to time, and it can seem there are always reasons to get angry or upset. If you start to think of everything bad that has happened to you, be it with relatives, colleagues, situations, or mistakes you've made, it's easy to feel a sense of loss.
But our minds are like computer programs in a way. When we focus on our sense of loss and get sad or depressed about the negative things that happen in our lives, we create new neuro-connections in our mind. This repeats every time we do it, and we end getting ourselves caught in a negative cycle that keeps bringing us back to the same dark places.
We literally feed our negativity with our thoughts. The important question here is whether you want to continue that suffering. If the answer is "no," then here is our next step: We can't get rid of trouble in our life, but we don't have to focus on it. Our mind is programmed based on what we focus on. Instead of anger, trouble, and complaints, we can focus on gratitude.
Create an anchor of your gratitude
The easiest way to break the habit is to create an anchor. Find some small thing that you like -- a stone, a little key-chain, a cross, an amulet, anything. Hold it in your hand and start thinking of everything you are thankful for in your life. Can't find what to be thankful for? If you are reading this, you can at least be thankful for your eyes, for life, for the world, for words and language, for thoughts and heart.
That process of holding a symbol of that gratitude in your hand will always be available to you. And now, every time you get into a negative cycle, just take that amulet and start feeling gratitude for what you have. Each time it will be easier. At some point, you won't need a symbol anymore, because you will have enough new neuro-connections in your mind to get to your place of gratitude without it.
Change your thinking, change your life
We often consider our brains to be ourselves. We forget that it is more like a tool that we have control over. Negativity, anger and sadness come mostly from safety mechanisms. Our emotions and brain are both there to protect us, and our neuro-connections respond to situations with the aim of protecting our habits. If complaining is your habit, your mind will try to protect it.
Begin by being thankful for your mind, and expressing your gratitude by giving your mind time to rest. With time, you can change your mental habits, to create a world of neuro-connections that are built for joy and love. With these emotions in your life, there will be no room for negativity.
Military Dad Defends His 4 Little Daughters When Strangers Make This Rude Remark
Military Dad of 4 Daughters Defends His Girls When Strangers Make This Rude Remark
Austin von Letkemann is the military officer strangers feel "sorry" for — and the reason is infuriating.
Whenever the devoted father leaves the house with his four children, strangers can't help but notice the officer in uniform is holding hands with 4 adorable little girls. They will tell the traditionally "masculine" and "all American" dad they feel sorry for him, because he has no sons. This dad makes one thing very clear: They are his daughters, they aren't a burden.
In a passionate video, von Letkemann took to Instagram to share with his followers that the only thing that's "difficult" about being a girl dad — is clapping back to these sexist remarks over and over again.
They Mock His Daughters To Their Face
When strangers approach Austin von Letkemann and his four daughters, they don't always realize that their comments are being overheard. They seem oblivious to the fact that his girls understand every word. Von Letkemann describes how people will approach him and, without thinking, make remarks like "I'm sorry" or even joke about his lack of sons. What they don't realize is that these comments, intended to be light-hearted or humorous, can be deeply hurtful to his daughters. These strangers are not just disrespecting von Letkemann's choices as a father; they're also sending a message to his daughters that their presence is something to be pitied. It’s a message that von Letkemann won't stand for, and he's speaking out to defend his girls from these insensitive remarksSaying "Get Your Shotgun" Isn't Funny — It's Sexist
Another common comment that Austin von Letkemann encounters is the old "better get your shotgun ready" trope, often delivered with a smirk or a wink. This line is typically intended to suggest that a father with daughters should be on high alert to protect them from potential "suitors," implying that they are objects to be guarded rather than individuals with agency.
Von Letkemann finds this line of thinking outdated and sexist. In his viral Instagram video, he points out that these jokes are not just stale — they're damaging.
By suggesting that his daughters require armed protection, the joke reinforces the idea that women are inherently vulnerable and need to be shielded from men. Von Letkemann argues that instead of promoting this narrative, society should focus on teaching respect and consent, challenging these sexist tropes at their source.
Watch Austin von Letkemann's Video:
"If I Had A Fifth Child, I'd HOPE It Was A Girl" — One Dad's Message For Other Parents
Despite the constant remarks about his lack of sons, Austin von Letkemann is clear: He wouldn't trade his daughters for anything.
In fact, he told his Instagram followers that if he were to have a fifth child, he would hope for another girl. This declaration isn't just about doubling down on his pride in his family — it's a pointed response to those who see fathering daughters as a misfortune.
Von Letkemann's stance is a powerful one, rejecting the notion that a family is incomplete without sons. He encourages others to question the assumptions behind these comments and to appreciate the joy and fulfillment that his daughters bring. By sharing his story, von Letkemann hopes to create a more inclusive perspective on fatherhood, one that values daughters just as much as sons.