With 2007 at an end and 2008 already here, this is the time for Baby Boomers to reflect and for many of us a time for change.. This is the perfect time for us to focus on our attitude, examining it for signs of negativity and making a concerted effort to be more positive.
Even if you don't consider yourself a negative person, make it a point over the next few days and weeks to scrutinize what you think and say; it just might be eye-opening. For instance, how much of your self-talk and communication with others contains the words "can't," "don't," "shouldn't," "couldn't" and "never"? Do you frequently start sentences with "If only," "I can't believe" or "I hate it when," or make statements such as "It's impossible," "I have no choice," "That's terrible" or "Why me?"
Negativity is harmful not only to our physical and mental health but also to our spiritual well-being.
Following are some ways to counteract negative tendencies:
• Limit your exposure to the news.
• Use positive self-talk - for example, "I will," "I can," "I choose."
• Be generous with praise and encouragement and cautious with criticism (and only give the constructive type).
• Cultivate a healthy sense of humor. Read the comics, watch a TV sitcom, rent funny movies. Don't take yourself or others too seriously.
• Accept realities you cannot change and focus instead on those you can influence.
• Trust that there's a valuable lesson in every type of adversity, and recognize that no matter what happens, you always have a choice about how you respond.
• Stay connected to people who care. Minimize contact with those who are negative or self-centered.
• Find an outlet for expressing your thoughts and feelings, such as talking with a friend, keeping a journal or participating in a support group.
• Pick your battles. Don't make a major issue out of every concern.
• Don't ruminate about past mistakes or other unpleasant events.
• Look for the good in people and situations. Demonstrate empathy, give others the benefit of the doubt and practice forgiveness.
• Make healthy lifestyle choices, including eating nutritiously, getting sufficient sleep and staying as active as possible.
• Find something enjoyable to do each day, such as reading, listening to music or engaging in a hobby.
• Identify sources of stress in your life, eliminate as many as possible and learn to manage the rest. Practice relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing or meditation.
• Seek help from your family doctor or a counselor if you continually feel sad, angry or overwhelmed.
• Let go of the need for perfection, and be flexible about plans and expectations. Take things one day at a time.
• Concentrate on what your loved one and you can rather than can't do. Be receptive to learning new ways of doing things and trying new activities.
• Focus on the good things in your life - such as supportive relationships - and seek beauty and tranquility - for example, through appreciation of art or nature. Count your blessings every day. Learn to live in the moment and enjoy simple pleasures.
• Do something nice for someone.
• Set aside quiet time each day, to nurture your spirituality and help keep you grounded.
• Accept offers of help, and don't be reluctant to ask for assistance.
• Be a caregiver. Caregivers gain a richer perspective on life, discover inner resources they didn't know they possessed, develop new interests, acquire new skills and form new relationships or experience deepening of existing ones.
And finally and most importantly for Baby Boomers to remember, a positive attitude really does make a big difference. 
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