For this week’s newsletter, I will continue talking about some of the biggest things that Dolly Parton can teach us using some of her best quotes. This week we will talk about positivity. Dolly’s music was always full of positive words even when the topic was not an easy topic. She also had a way of sharing deeply personal stories in a positive way.
Real positivity doesn’t mean we don’t have disappointment, uncertainty or need to work hard. In fact, it acknowledges these realities in life and makes us ask: What can I appreciate, change or create from here? We don’t have to pretend that everything is perfect but can look for the good in things.
“I make a point to appreciate all the little things in my life. I go out and smell the air after a good, hard rain. These small actions help remind me that there are so many great, glorious pieces of good in the world.”
Gratitude comes in all shapes and sizes. We have to take the time to notice these moments like enjoying time outdoors, a thoughtful note or solving a problem. When we notice these moments, we don’t have to have everything perfect to have a sense of well-being.
“I’ve had heartaches, headaches, toothaches, earaches, and I’ve had a few pains in the ass, but I’ve survived to tell about it.”
Appreciating the good does not mean life won’t be difficult. We may still struggle with life at times, but we can recognize the strength we have and the wisdom we have by working through it. These perspectives work not only in our career but also in our personal life.
“When I wake up, I expect things to be good. If they’re not, then I try to set about trying to make them as good as I can ’cause I know I’m gonna have to live that day anyway. So why not try to make the most of it if you can?”
This type of quote is true optimism. We can’t control every difficult conversation, deadline, or unexpected setback. But we can choose how we deal with it and we can reset.
“You can wish your life away. But if you’re going to dream, you’re going to have to get out and…put some wings on them dreams.”
There is power in positivity when we move it from thought to action. Many things can inspire us, but dreams can change us, but we must take them a first step. Action will make your dreams come true. Action will also let us outgrow the expectations others have for us. Don’t become comfortable, we can always grow and show others what we can really do and truly exceed our expectations!
For me, the lesson is simple: notice the good, learn from the hard, improve what you can, act on your dreams, and stay anchored in what gives your life meaning. Positivity is not a personality trait but instead a series of choices we can practice—especially on the days when those choices do not come easily.
How do we move toward positivity? Things like naming three things you appreciate, reframing one bad moment into a positive, taking a step toward a dream, or encouraging someone who needs a lift. Our problems won’t disappear overnight, but we can change our direction one day at a time – and that can change your life.
