Better late than never, I’ve finally arrived at my #oneword365 for 2025! It was tricky for me to decide which word God might want me to focus on this year.
When “positivity” was highlighted, I dismissed it at first because it seemed more like mindfulness, manifesting, or wishful thinking.
As “blessed” was also on my mind, I guessed it was right. I even created a pretty image of it to put on this website but held back for some reason.
Being blessed is related to positivity because knowing and believing you are blessed stems from having a faith-filled, hope-filled, grateful, positive attitude.

However, the books I was reading and the holy nudges I was receiving kept pointing me back towards positivity.
Although the meaning might be obvious, I still wondered what positivity might mean for me. How do I interpret it?
Before I dip into the personal application, let’s take a look at how positivity is defined on various sites online.
positivity in general
Oxford Learner’s Dictionaries definition:
“the practice of being positive in your attitude and focusing on what is good in a situation.”
Success Consciousness definition:
“Positivity means thinking in an optimistic way, looking for solutions, and expecting good results and success. It also means a tendency to make life happier.
It is a happy and worry-free state of mind that looks at the bright side of life.”
Cambridge Dictionary definition:
“the quality of having a positive attitude”
positivity in a biblical sense
Digital Bible says this about biblical positivity:
“The Bible provides profound insights and guidance on maintaining a positive attitude. Through various passages, the scriptures emphasize the importance of discerning good, focusing on virtue, overcoming negativity with positivity, and continually renewing the mind.”
Bible Study For You offers this perspective which includes taking a look at several Bible verses:
“Positivity is a powerful attitude that can transform our lives, especially when rooted in faith and trust in God.”
Scripture Savvy says:
“Thinking positively doesn’t mean ignoring or denying the challenges and difficulties we may face, but rather choosing to see the good and find hope even in difficult circumstances.”

positivity in a personal sense
With hindsight, I can trace the way God sowed the seeds of choosing “positivity” months in advance to point my mind toward having a more positive outlook.
Unfortunately, a challenging childhood, painful past, mental health breakdown, propensity for depression, and struggling with chronic illness for decades kept me focused most on the hard stuff of life.
I’ve written reams about those darker topics yet my heart always longs to be lighter, to encourage others, sense the blessings wrapped up within the hard, and write more about them.
So it’s time for change, a turnaround in my thoughts, a refuelling of my faith, and a heightening of joy and hope to pave the way toward greater positivity.

Perhaps that will happen more as I surrender the almost automatic negative self-talk and thought, and embrace the positive with open arms, mind and heart, including positive ageing thoughts.
And make more time for prayer because it’s one of the most positive, soul enhancing activities there is. Positivity also goes hand in hand with faith and “trust” which was my focus word for 2024.

I’m not in any way dismissing, diminishing or denying the very real difficulties we face, but I believe a positive mindset can better equip us to cope with life’s numerous challenges.
Maybe I’ll also be given fresh insights in the months ahead to assist me with the book about rediscovering joy that I’m currently working on. What does positivity mean to you? Have you decided on a word to focus on this year? Xx 😉💜

Denise and I have been talking a lot about how to live in the dystopian reality that is the US today. Gratitude is one of her foundational goals. Despite what is going on we still need to look for the good in the community, nation, and world. It’s a struggle for me with my depression and anxiety issues but she patiently walks with me. You are in my heart and in my prayers, Joy.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Michael, the issues you face in the US today are disturbing and difficult indeed. Though I love how Denise is deliberately seeking to look for the good and find hope in exercising gratitude for those things. I sympathise with you, too, because it’s a struggle when all around you feels chaotic and troubling, especially when you’re prone to depression and anxiety.
It’s also an act of faith and trust that somehow God is working in all things for our good even if we cannot see or understand how as yet. You, your lovely wife, and fellow countrymen are very much in my thoughts and prayers, dear friend. ❤️🙏🏻
LikeLike
Thank you so much, Joy. That means the world to us!
LikeLiked by 1 person
You’re welcome, Michael. You and my other US friends are in need of prayer. It’s the least I can do to support you.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Dear Joy, I love this word “positivity” and all of the definitions you’ve shared with us. And most of all I love that this word is not dependent on our outward situation, but upon our inward focus. It certainly is not always easy, but I guess that’s where His grace comes in for us, right?
And oh, I will pray that you will “be given fresh insights in the months ahead to assist (you) with the book about rediscovering joy that (you’re) currently working on. What a precious weaving from the Lord! Blessings, hugs, and love across the pond my dear sister! ❤️
LikeLiked by 1 person
Dear Bettie, the aspect of positivity you love is also one I’m extremely grateful for. If life had to be perfect, or trouble free, at least, before we could exhibit a positive attitude, then that would disqualify most of us. And remove the need for hope and faith and dependence on God.
Oh thank you for your prayers, sweet friend. I could certainly use them! My progress is currently tortoise-slow but I would love to publish it this year if possible. Yet I know it’s all in God’s hands and how I so often need to learn more about the topic I’m given through personal experience. Blessings, love and hugs to you too, dear sister! ♥️
LikeLiked by 1 person