On staying positive and picking up the pieces

We all have our bad days don't we?

And we’ve all gotten consoled by the ones who love and care about us. We hear the same thing over and over, like "it will be okay" and "you will get through this" and "something better is going to happen soon". Then we nod and nod, and say "yes, you're right".

Even though in the back of our minds, we might continue to dwell or disagree. It’s so easy to just stay mopey and damn our lives for our unfortunate luck, bad mojo or whatever. But the reality is, we aren’t the only ones who have gone through hard times, and those who have, well... they survived and got through it. So today, I listened to my friends and believe in their kind words. So, yes, I will get through this and if you are going through a rough patch, you will get out of it too. 

I think it's okay to mope. But only for a little. Just because I believe we have to let ourselves be real with our feelings. You have to give yourself time to release and bust out the Kleenex, the ice cream, the movies and curl up in bed and just… let go.

And then after the last tear drops and the sniffles stops, pick yourself back up and try again. Remind yourself that you have been given another chance to do something greater, and better things that are coming in the most unexpected way. You just have to believe it and realize that it's true, even though it's hard to see it now. And then when it happens, you will have to remember that moment when you started to believe.

I'm taking my own advice here and will be practicing these 3 tips to piece myself together again and move on. I hope you will too!

Don't go looking for the negatives in the situation
It's easy to get wrapped up in all the bad that comes with the situation. If you just look at that, you will probably find yourself knee deep in muck and unearth more feelings of resentment or disappointment that is not necessary. You don't want to go there. Instead, look for something else. Look for Waldo. Look for a new book. Look for something to do. Just look for something to keep you happy while you put the pieces together again.

Get up and go for a quick run
Exercise has been proven time and time again to relieve stress and increase happiness. Just 5 minutes can improve your mood and self-esteem. Don't like running? Pretend you are in the midst of a zombie apocalypse and you are being chased by a horde of the undead. Keeps running pretty interesting I think, especially if you're like me and love all things zombies. And if you're totally against running, perhaps another type of exercise. But the point is to put away the Kleenex, move away from the comfort of your bed and get active.

Make a plan and stick to it
I know it sounds strange to make a plan on how to feel better, but it can be done. Giving yourself some goals or practical expectations can help make the road to recovery a lot faster. It thins out the negativity fog that might be blinding you and help you see things a bit more clearly. You don't have to write anything too specific, but just write out a list of what your next steps are.

There are so many things we can do to stay positive in times like these. What things do you do to keep your spirits high?

Let's get social and spread the positivity. If you'd like to play along, take a minute and use hashtag #TeamLetsStayPositive and post your tip on twitter! Over the weekend I will share a few of your tips on here. You can follow me too @mreowlynn

Photo credit here | Text by me