Negativity consumes the world we live in. Senseless acts of violence are a daily occurrence and the news is filled with solemn stories of horrific tragedies. Even at my retail job, it seems that the general population always has something to complain about: the weather is too hot, children today are so rude, people should care more about their appearance, etc. Through the process of observing people around me, I've noticed that almost every other sentence is a negative comment of some sort. Unfortunately, I do not have the solution to solving any of the problems the world is dealing with. The one thing I do know is that we must start with choosing positivity. It is senseless to dwell on negative emotions and our dissatisfaction with society. Therefore, I've done some soul searching and learned what aspects of my day to day life promote how I can live positively.

1. Embrace who you are.

When you look at yourself in the mirror, stop focusing on all of the things you dislike about yourself. Make a conscious effort to mentally compliment yourself in the morning. Figure out what quirks make you stand out from others and view them as advantages. Don't let yourself conform to what everyone else wants you to be—you are who you are and that is all you can work with.

2. Be grateful for what you have.

We often get too caught up with our lives to acknowledge all of the material and nonmaterial aspects of our lives that we are lucky to have. Make a list of the things you are grateful for like your home, your favorite dress, your family and your health. Realize that these are all things that could be taken away from you in an instant, so it is essential that you don't take them for granted.

3. Go to your happy place.

Whether it be your bedroom, the beach or the top of a mountain, find the place that brings you peace. Allow yourself to escape life's challenges for a while and really re-center your mind. Go where you are rid of all negative energy and feel completely whole. In doing this, you will able to find the positivity within yourself.

4. Don't complain, compliment.

When you hear you family, friends, co workers or even complete strangers voice a complaint, immediately respond with a positive comment. By being conscious of how easily and how often we focus on the negative, we can shift out behavior to promote positivity instead. A small compliment to someone goes a long way, so try to change people's perspective the next time they try to complain.

5. Give yourself to others.

One way that I enjoy making a positive difference is through volunteering. I personally choose to mentor kids in my community, which brings me complete happiness and joy. Not only am I able to serve my individual purpose in this world, but I am also able to be a shining light for those who need encouragement. However you choose to get involved, giving your time, spirit and heart to others will leave a life lasting impression and touch the lives of others.

6. Spread random acts of kindness.

The most fun, and my personal favorite, way to spread positivity is to reach out to others when they least expect it. It is easy for us to thank our loved ones for what they mean to us and for making our lives special. However, the kindness received from strangers often means more to us than anything. Buy a coffee for the person behind you in line, help an elderly person carry their groceries or write a thank you note to local law enforcement. Whichever method you choose, you will make a positive impact. By completing acts of kindness randomly, you are able to encourage others to pay it forward and it becomes a contagious movement. It all starts with you, so give it a try!

By following these simple steps, you will be able to live a positive life for yourself and for the people around you. It may be difficult to keep them in mind at first, but once you adjust to this way of life it will become second nature. Be willing to have an open heart and help others. Challenge yourself to get rid of any negative energy in your life. But most importantly, be kind to everyone around you. Even a smile can make a difference!