The Profound Power of Positivity

I recently moved to a  village, where I was offered employment within a highly professional  company.  Although Harriet (Named changed), the person I took over from is a lot younger than me and less experienced, she is competent.

On my first day, I noticed constant remarks she made in jest about the job, the manager, and some of our clients.  I initially shrugged this off as light-hearted banter, but over the last couple of weeks I have experienced increasing hostility to the point where she now grunts and barks at me whenever I attempt to discuss details regarding the handover. 

She took sick leave yesterday, which was heavenly for me as I was left to run the activities at my own pace, without having to navigate her snarls.

This encounter has given me the opportunity to reflect on experiences and shortfalls in my own life.  One in particular was facing single motherhood, two mortgages and a car to be paid off, then being made redundant - because I was pregnant.  I was understandably hurt and very angry, having given my heart and soul to my employer.  So, instead of looking at a few viable opportunities that came my way, I sank into the “woe is me” and “how dare they” mindsets, causing me to spiral down.  

With help from friends, family and a therapist, I pulled myself out of that low ebb and rebuilt an even more successful career – but that low bout took its toll on both my infant son and me – emotionally, psychologically and financially.

In the process of rebuilding, I actively restructured my attitude and mindset, putting all my  efforts into focusing on attaining everything I had ever dreamed of.  I used daily affirmations, vision boards and physical exercise regimes.  Over time, these  opened up a world of opportunities I had been blind to whilst wallowing in my anger and self-pity. 

I slowly began attracting successful people into my life and collaborating with creative and technical geniuses.  Over the next few years I built a business from scratch into a company that served large corporates on an international level. I built my dream home overlooking the bay.  I gave my son the best education, enabling him to study at a reputable university and put his artistic talents into action as a 3D animations artist.

It was when I reached the top that I relaxed my guard, and allowed myself to be manipulated into negativity again.  Feeling lonely, I began mixing with people who drained my energy.  I lowered my expectations and standards to meet theirs.  I slid, and over time I lost everything I had built up… except for my son.

I moved countries and started rebuilding again, and with the same regime of positivity and hard-earned knowledge, I have refused to allow myself to slide back into that familiar quagmire of negativity.

One of my greatest realisations has been the importance of setting boundaries and how, if you allow them to, other people’s insecurities can rob you of your precious time, energy, sparkle and ability to spot opportunities for growth and development.

I have also learned that guilt and manipulation go hand in hand.  This is why it is vital to remain firm when dealing with manipulators who will push back when you set your boundaries.

A negative comment, even spoken in jest, permeates its environment, lowering the energy levels and depriving its participants of a wealth of opportunity.

I recognise *Harriet’s insecurities, because I too suffered with them.  She does have a lot to learn but it is not my job to teach her.  My job is to stay in my lane, focus on the work at hand and ensure that the root of my internal communication remains positive.  In this way I can be a valuable asset to all my communities, personal and professional, with the energy I need to make a healthy difference.

How do I do this?  

I begin each day with my anchoring reminders, being:

• “I protect my boundaries, prioritize my energy, act from clarity.”

• “I am free from those who cannot see my value. My life belongs to me.”

• “I am competent, capable, and skilled. Others’ insecurities do not diminish me.”

• “I choose what they see and what they don’t. Distance protects my energy, dignity, and autonomy.”

• “I will not shrink to fit others’ narratives. Connection does not require surrendering my autonomy.”

• I utilise every opportunity to physically exercise, eat healthily and have enough high quality sleep as well as time to relax and socialise.

• I reflect at the end of each day, celebrating my small victories and achievements, and maintaining self-compassion for the areas needing improvement – to be treated as yet another learning curve.

These anchors give me the platform upon which to silence those negative noises, helping me communicate effectively, whilst commanding premium levels of professionalism.

I continue to receive commendations from clients and management about my fresh approach to the company, and I plan to maintain this hard-learned positive, boundaried strategy, regardless of any toxicity I may come across.

I can empathise with *Harriet’s insecurities, and shall remain positive and professional in all my encounters with her.  However, I shall not let her drag me down to her level the way crabs in a pot pull down the one that tries to escape.

Maintaining a positive mindset in the throes of adversity is the only way upward.

Curator’s Note:

A deeply personal reflection on resilience, boundaries, and the quiet discipline of choosing positivity. The article moves beyond surface-level optimism to reveal how mindset, when consciously rebuilt, can reshape both personal and professional trajectories. It is a reminder that growth is not linear—and that self-awareness is the foundation of sustainable success.

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