Normally, when we’re in the midst of a bad situation, we tend to focus primarily on the negative, which is understandable.

However, in order to actually learn from the bad experience or to move forward from it, we actually have to take control over our thoughts and look at what role we have played in allowing this situation to manifest.

Of course, each experience would be different because we obviously can not control certain things that happen in life. We also have to look at how we could have approached the situation a bit differently.

On the bright side of every negative experience, there’s always, as they say, a light at the end of the tunnel. Everything that happens will never last forever, which can ultimately be a good or bad thing depending on the viewpoint you choose to adopt.

For example, when on vacation, you likely want it to never end, and it seems to be over within the blink of an eye. Likewise, when you're in the middle of a difficult situation such as a breakup, you want the pain to be over as quickly as possible. The bittersweet thing is, nothing lasts forever, and we just have to appreciate each moment for what it is.

With every bad situation, there definitely comes a learning experience, so instead of focusing on the negative and what happened to you, try to develop some good thoughts around the situation, and look at what the positive outcome was - no matter how small.

Realistically, it’s not always easy or possible to be optimistic during difficult times, so if you’re really struggling with your mood and not being able to look at the positive side of things, then you may be dealing with something like anxiety or depression which requires treatment. This can be treated in various ways - through medication, therapy, or even natural and alternative methods like you’ll find at places such as bud express.

Although during the time you are going through something, it may be hard to see when you're in the midst of a bad situation, the answers are definitely there if you look hard enough. It won’t always show itself in the most obvious of ways, but you can be assured that that it will always make itself known over time regardless of you seeing it right away or not.

One way of looking at things (and changing your perspective around the situation that you're in) is to journal and show gratitude for every experience that you have.

For example, you may have a really bad cold or flu that makes you feel lousy and prevents you from doing something that you had planned, so that puts you into even more of a state of feeling sorry for yourself and not feel good in general. Instead of focusing all of your energy and thoughts on your bad feelings, take to your journal and be grateful for the fact that you don't have a serious illness that prevents you from living your life in the long term. This is only a temporary experience in the grand scheme of things, and you will be back to normal soon.

Changing your mindset can really make a huge difference because it will cause you to start seeing the bigger picture, and you’ll be able to differentiate between the things that are important versus the things that are not. 

Don’t get us wrong, there are always going to be days when you feel bad. Nobody's saying that you should put your bad thoughts away or that you should not be allowed to feel down or negative about anything, ever. That’s absolutely not the case, and you wouldn't be human if you didn't have days like that.

The truth is, holding onto negative emotions just does not benefit you in the long run. It’s not healthy to constantly sit and wallow in the negative thoughts and things that are going on around you.  Be grateful for the small things that are good, and you’ll find that you’ll soon start to attract more of those same things that you want to receive into your life.

How do you stay positive throughout life’s challenges?