Choosing Positivity

Needless to say, it’s been a rough year. And while the state of our country can be extremely disheartening, I am choosing to remain positive and focus on the good around me. Today I am sharing some of what has helped me keep my spirits high during these rocky times!

Focusing on the “pros“

It’s easy to relish in all the bad stuff going on in the world right now. Trust me – I have had those days! But I actively try to focus on the pros rather than the negative. For example, what is something positive that has come of this situation? It’s a simple but important question! Even if it feels that there has been more bad than good, take the time to examine and identify the good – no matter how small!

• Extra time with family – working from home has allowed me to spend more time with my husband and daughter. We both have been able to witness important milestones in Emma’s development that we may have otherwise been at the office for.
• Saving money – stay at home orders means less eating out and spending. While it has been a difficult transition, we have not been spending obscene amounts of money on coffee like we once did! haha this is good!
• Re-discovering our kitchen – we have also had to cook a lot more! In almost 8 years of living together, Felipe and I have never eaten at home this much! We are figuring out our go-to dinners and learning that we can actually make pretty tasty meals!

Reading/listening to lift your spirits and inspire

Reading books, articles, and blogs with positive messages has really helped me curb my anxiety and allowed my mind to refocus on the good. Even if you are not a reader, you can cultivate an “information environment” that makes you feel good through television shows, podcasts, and even on social media. Ask yourself – what sources of information am I spending my time on that are making me feel negative? For me, it is 100% the news. And while I don’t recommend blocking out all news – you still need to be informed – you should limit your intake so that you are not consumed by it.

This is where I switch to reading a light hearted novel, or watching Friends re-runs. I need that to decompress at the end of the day and not feel weighed down. It also helps to talk to others, whether that is in person or over the phone.

Putting out good energy and helping others

This brings me to my last point – being the positive force that you wish to see in the world. Put yourself out there to assist others, add value or advise in small ways that can make a difference to others. Whether this is through your work, or in the interactions you have with friends and family. Try your best to be accepting and empathetic and you will find you are much happier.

People also tend to give off good vibes or energy when they are thoroughly enjoying what they do or are spending their time on. If that is your career, great! Continue putting in the work! If you are not as happy in your job, try doing something in your free time that you love, or make a plan on how you might pivot your career in a way that you envision for yourself. Even if it seems far off, if you have a realistic plan you are working toward, you will feel accomplished with each step and it will make the process more enjoyable. Again, keeping a positive attitude is so important!

This is sometimes easier said than done- I get that. Finding things that make you happy can be a challenge – but it’s one we all need to take on! Some days will be better than others, but keeping an optimistic outlook will get us through these tough times! I am choosing to focus my energy on the good and count my blessings!

Wishing you all the best, until next time!

Jannette