Positivity. Happiness. Two very powerful and heavy words that are easy to say, yet some days are harder than others to achieve. I’ve been finding myself lately going having good days and bad days. Going through a funk and then being okay the next day. I know this is all a part of life, but recently have been getting a lot of people ask, “how do you stay so positive through it all?”. Truth is, I’m not… but I try to be! I try my very best to see the best in every situation and today I’m sharing a few tips you can try when you’re having a hard time…
Today’s blog post is a little different, but if you follow along closely on Instagram stories you know that lately I’ve been going through some pretty tough times personally so I know first hand what being sad, frustrated, confused, hurt, disappointed, and lost feels like. I’m typically a pretty positive person, and think it’s mostly in my nature to always see the silver lining in situations, but I know that’s not always the case with everyone. So here are my tips to staying positive through it all:
- Take care of yourself, body and mind. It’s easy to put yourself last, but putting yourself first and showing up for yourself is the most important thing you can do. Some things I do for self care is get a manicure, go to the gym, read, and go to bed early.
- Read relatable quotes. There are two people specifically that I follow on Instagram that have a way with their words that make me feel like I belong. They are honest, true, and VERY relatable (check out @morganharpernichols and @rainbowsalt on instagram). I also recommend browsing Pinterest for positive and bright colored quotes that you can save as your phone background. I’ve done this and it’s a great reminder everyday when I need a little boost.
- Confide in friends and/or family. It’s important to not hide and shut yourself out from the world. Talking about your feelings or just being in company is super important in feeling like you are loved and cared for. Being present around those that you love and that love you back is a great feeling.
- Stay busy. This is super important for me personally. Staying busy is what gets me through everyday- with teaching, my blog, going to the gym, and trying to make time for friends and family, I have a full plate. I appreciate spending my days being active and on the go.
- Journal. Writing down my feelings, thoughts, and emotions has been a good release for me. Sometimes there are tear drops on the pages and other times my words are a little more cheery. Either way it feels good to get it out of my brain and down onto paper.
- See a therapist. This is a semi-painful experience to bring up raw emotions, yet I’ve found it to be so insightful and a very powerful tool to utilize. Someone who is specially trained has amazing strategies to use to help out your life in whatever way you need. Mine has taught me that it’s not what you deal with in life but HOW you deal with it that matters.
- Do what you love or try something new. Make time for the things you love (cooking, shopping, baking, going on hikes, reading, etc) AND try something new (pick up a new hobby, meet new friends, try a team sport).
With all of the challenges in life, I know there is still a lot to be thankful for. Life will always bring ups and downs, but the most important thing to remember is that it is all a lesson. Life has a funny way of teaching you things when you least expect it (or don’t want to learn a lesson), but keep pushing through! Time has a way of healing everything. Here’s to a better year in 2019…
Thank you for all of your support, encouraging, and for taking interest in my little corner of the internet. You are all amazing and I’m sending you so much love and happiness in the new year! XOXO