@ai-summaries: Overcoming Negativity: A Journalist's Journey to Positivity Most people would describe the speaker as an inherently positive person, but the reality is that they used to struggle with anger and depression for much of their life. It's hard for those who know them now to believe, as the speaker has become remarkably optimistic and upbeat. However, the speaker is quick to clarify that they don't wake up feeling sunshine and rainbows every day they still face challenges like back pain that make them want to stay in bed. The speaker explains that they used to be prone to bouts of depression, feeling hopeless and focusing on all the negative aspects of the world. They felt they had been slighted and taken advantage of many times, leading them to view the world as a very "fucked up" place. Over time, though, the speaker learned that despite all the difficulties, there is just as much, if not more, to be happy about in life. They realized that while they can't control many things, they can always control their focus. The first step was becoming aware of what made them feel better versus worse. The speaker had to cut out certain negative friends and topics like world news and politics that were dragging them down. They also had to learn to say "no" and set boundaries to protect their own energy and well being. Gradually, the speaker started replacing bad habits with more fulfilling activities that boosted their mood, like reaching out to old friends. Importantly, the speaker didn't try to ignore the negative things entirely, but rather worked on putting them aside temporarily in order to feel good first. This allowed them to then face those challenges with less emotional baggage. The speaker also made a habit of imagining positive outcomes, rather than just catastrophizing. Over time, this practice of focusing on the positive and controlling their mindset became almost second nature to the speaker. They believe this mental shift played a major role in improving their physical health as well, as the negativity they harbored for decades may have contributed to their issues. The speaker is no longer struggling with depression, but rather "beating the shit out of it" through the power of focus, rather than medication. They are intentional about not exposing themselves to situations or topics that upset them, and they make time for self reflection to understand what their mind and body are telling them. While the speaker acknowledges they still have their off days and occasional slip ups, they now have the tools to quickly get themselves back on track. The speaker's journey demonstrates that positivity is not an innate trait, but something that can be cultivated through conscious effort and a willingness to do the inner work. Their story offers hope and practical strategies for others seeking to overcome negativity and depression.