JUST SMILE

We all get those days, when we don't know what to do, when everything seems to be going in the opposite direction to where we want to go and we just can't help but feel let down. In these moments it is really difficult to look on the positive side of life and see the good. However, it is in these moments that is vital that we look at the good and take a step back from everything.

I am a firm believer that everything happens for a reason, even if that reason is not apparent at the time, it will become obvious with time. Everything we do now shapes our future so it seems crazy not to do everything with a smile on our faces.

Over the past month, I have had some amazing things happen to me, things I would never have imagined would have happened and there have also been some very dark moments. But the bad days bring the good days and you can't have one without the other. It is really hard to keep focus and stay positive, especially when away from loved ones. However it is essential to remain positive.

There is a good side to everything. For example, this month my dog died and I was thousands of kilometres away so couldn't be there for him in his last moments. It was devastating but looking at the positive side of the situation, I saw he had 12 happy years living with our family and it was his time to move on. Again, another situation which added an extra ounce of stress to my week was finding that my car had been towed away by the police and I had to pay a fine and collect it from the other side of the city, making me late for work. Although it is really hard to see the positives it this situation too, the place to collect the car was closer to the highway making it easier to get to work and it finalised my decision to pay for a garage space. So, although it may not seem like there are positives in a situation, if you look hard enough there will always be at least one.

When faced with these difficult moments here is a list of things that help me get through it...

My happy things, as seen on Istagram @modadelamode

Take a deep breath

Nothing can be solved by diving head first into the problem. Take a moment or two to step back and access.

Smile

Finding the energy to smile at people in the street, friends and family or coworkers is one of the best ways to stay cheerful. Smiling is contagious and that transmission of positive energy will have you back on your feet in no time.

Take a walk along the beach (or in nature)

For me, one of the best ways to calm my anxiety is to go to the beach. There is something so comforting about being close to the sea and feeling the sand between my toes. Breathing in deep gulps of sea air and feeling the salty breeze on your skin makes you feel so alive.

Switch off your mobile

Getting off social media for an hour or two is so refreshing and it gives your head some time to recharge.

Pray

The big man is always watching down on us, praying can be a positive way to communicate how you are really feeling and it can help to get your thoughts in order.

Friends

Meeting up with friends is an invaluable way to de-stress and not think about your issues for a short time and talking things through with them may bring about some unexpected solutions.

What are your tips for staying positive?

G x