I’ll be honest- the number one question I get asked the most is not about spirituality, healthy lifestyle or blogging (although many of you do inquire about these topics quite frequently so they are a close second). The most commonly asked question is about how I continue to stay so positive in the face of so much adversity! So today, I am finally going to share seven tips on how to remain positive even when it seems like that’s the last thing you want to do.

1. This one may seem either way too easy or way too difficult- but it is to consistenly decide to be happy. Honestly, it’s pretty rare that someone can wake up happy everyday, stay happy throughout the entire day and then go to bed still totally happy. It is also rare for someone to develop a positive mindset if they don’t even believe it is possible. No, happiness does not come naturally all the time, at least not in the beginning when you are first trying to create this habit. Happiness is a conscious decision you must make every single day, and remain determined that nothing will stand in your way.
2. The second tip I have may seem contradictory, but in order to stay positive, you have to acknowledge the negative. If you go about your days ignoring everything that could have potentially made you upset, these feelings will get bottled up and then come out where they are least expected. Rather, acknowledging your negative feelings and allowing those emotions to pass will clear up a pathway to start anew with a fresh and positive attitude. Like I mentioned earlier, no one can be positive all the time, but those who process the negativity head on are more likely to shift their mindset to one that is more positive.
3. Meditate. This tip, as I am sure most of you are aware, is pretty much a part of any and every list I have ever made on this blog, regardless of the topic. But especially when it comes to positivity, meditation is important so that you can filter out what is not important, or what is not in your control, and instead focus on what truly matters. Once you are aware of who you are and what matters the most, then you can focus on the positive aspects of those areas without the extra brain-clutter. Also note that a relaxed state of mind is naturally one which will attract more positive thoughts, and will make it easer to remain present throughout the day instead of repeating the same thoughts inside your mind.
4. Make daily gratitude lists. You don’t need to buy any expensive gratitude journal or even write out long essays of what you are thankful for. All you have to do is think of 3 new things every day for which you are grateful- this can be quick and easy, and you don’t even need to write it down (although this is particularly helpful if you are feeling down and negative or are just getting started). I have been coming up with 3 new things I am grateful for almost every single day for at least the past 5 years, and I have never run out. This is because regularly practicing gratitude literally trains your mind to look for the positive throughout the day and in any situation.
5. Surround yourself with positive people. Of course, this does not mean to abandon loved ones who are going through a difficult time or a rough patch and expect everyone to always be in a good mood. What it does mean is to recognize the toxic relationships that are chronically bringing you from a high to a low almost every time you are around them, and give yourself some space. It is hard enough to stay positive in a world that can sometimes drive you crazy, so don’t make it harder for yourself by spending excessive time with people who constantly bring you down by always complaining and seem to somehow find the worst in everything. Find people who make you feel good about yourself and inspire you to do better- those are the people who will allow for you to see the best in yourself and others.
6. Don’t take little things personally. If someone is rude to you, it is highly likely that they are just having a bad day and probably are the ones who need your contagious positivity the most- at the very least, you can kill them with your kindness. If a situation does not go your way, then pause and figure out how much it really even matters. If it’s a minor inconvenience, then don’t sweat it; choose your battles because there will rarely be long periods of time when everything goes exactly as planned. Go with the flow, trust that you are exactly where you are meant to be, and do not let external situations or other people control the one thing that is entirely yours that can never be taken away- your attitude and how you choose to respond.
7. Practice, practice, practice! As with anything, a positive mindset gets stronger over time the more it is used and exercised. Start by observing your thoughts and becoming more aware of the kinds of thoughts you have  most often. Every time you notice that a thought is redundant, negative or out of your control, acknowledge it and then try to change it to one that is more positive. Repeat this positive affirmations daily, even if they’re hard to believe at first. The more you do this, the stronger the synaptic pathways will become in your mind, and over time it will become much easier, if not second nature, to think positively. This positivity will be contagious and attract even more positivity into your life!

I often work with clients who have trouble combating negative thinking and training their brain to be more positive, but there is not a single person for whom this is impossible. Everyone has the ability within themselves to turn around their way of thinking, and it is no secret that the mind is the single most powerful tool for creating the life you want. I am currently accepting new clients for the new year of 2019 so don’t hesitate to check out the Spirit Life Coaching site or send me a message to get started on creating the life of your dreams!

“Optimism is NOT knowing that things will be okay, because they might not. It is knowing that YOU will be okay, no matter what.”

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