8 Ways to Stay Positive

Thank you to Nordstrom & ShopStyle for sponsoring today’s post.

Good Monday morning friends!  I hope y’all had a fabulous weekend and are looking forward to this fresh, new week.

Everyday, I’m grateful to receive messages from you commenting on my positive attitude.  For today’s post, I wanted to dive into that because my true passion for this blog is to inspire you to ‘take care of YOU’.  If you’ve been with me for long, you know that mantra was passed down to me from my Grandma Nola and I want to pay it forward.

I’m a positive person by nature and I’m sure that shows through when you see me on Stories or visit me here.  That doesn’t mean I’m always happy, my kids don’t talk back, or that I’ve been spared the gut wrenching pain of loss.

I’m also no Pollyanna.  I know that being positive isn’t always as simple as looking on the bright side.  I think it can be more complicated than that because sometimes we are really in the pit and it’s freaking hard to be positive when you’ve been there for months or years and don’t see a way out.  You can’t just smile your way out of it.  You need to dig deeper.  You need to trust in your gut that everything’s gonna be okay. In general, and in whatever you’re going through right now.

I certainly don’t have everything figured out and I do have my down days and negative thoughts.  I’m not immune from worry, anxiety, jealousy, or stress.

In writing this post, I wanted to give you some concrete takeaways that would be useful to you if you’re struggling in your own life or just want to add more positivity to your days.  I thought about the top things that help me stay positive, especially when I’m having a hard time.

RELY ON YOUR FAITH TO SUPPORT YOU

Having a personal relationship with God allows me to know that, even when I’m scared, confused, hurt, and don’t have things figured out, He’s got me in the palm of His hand.  He has a hope and future for me that is beyond what I can see myself.

If I’m really struggling and take the time to get into His Word, turn on the worship music, get on my knees and pray, and/or just be still and wait to hear that voice of the Holy Spirit, I’m always better for it.  My attitude of worry and despair and depression and anxiety lifts and I know to Trust Him.  Trust myself.

I don’t think you have to be a regular church goer to have a strong relationship with God.  But, a good church home can be an extra blessing when there are people and programs to lift you up and love you through life’s disappointments.

I’ve gotten back into going to church again and I’m loving it.  I’m always so moved while I’m there and it’s such a good feeling of being in His loving arms.  A huge peace overcomes me and I’m so thankful for that.  I always cry during the worship time, but it’s not a bad thing.  Sometimes it’s just tears of being so grateful that I can feel so connected to God.

It’s a great start to the week to wake up, get dressed up for church and spend the morning praising God and hearing a message of hope.

Throughout this post, I’ll share some Sunday Best looks all from Nordstrom.  Any of these outfits you can order online with FREE shipping or same day pickup at the store.  If they don’t work out, no worries, they have FREE returns via mail also.  I really love that about Nordstrom!

Floral Midi DressClear HeelsSimilar Clutch

SWEAT OUT A BAD MOOD

I’ve said it many times here before, but one way to quickly change my attitude is to exercise.  I can go from grumpy and anxious to feeling hopeful and inspired in the span of a 30 minute run.

Add music to it and I’m even feeling energetic and optimistic!  It’s really amazing what that can do for you.  Even when you don’t feel like exercising, heck- especially then.  Just do it!

Maxi DressSimilar Circle BagSunglasses

Boho meets maxi dress with this one and I’m not mad about it!  I love the lace panel and crochet neck details, along with the creamy white color- perfect for summer.

It’s lined to mid-thigh, then allows your skin to peek through at the bottom.

Dress Fit : This one comes in regular, petite, and plus sizes and I’m in a 2P, without having to alter the length when wearing wedges. 

GET ENOUGH SLEEP

One surefire way to get a cranky woman is to sleep deprive her.  It’s nearly impossible to be in a good mood when you are exhausted.

Sometimes, when my days are jam packed and I get the kids to bed, I want to fall asleep immediately, but I also want to stay up and have some down time to myself.  It’s a similar conundrum when you’re in the newborn stage and it’s time for their nap.  Do you nap along with them or get stuff done?

Go for the nap.  Always choose sleep.

ASK FOR HELP

Many times the reason we’re feeling negative is because we’re overwhelmed.  There’s a million responsibilities and not enough time and it frankly stresses us out.  That’s where we need to either: 1) get help, 2) say no more, or both.

Help comes in many forms.  One was the book I mentioned in my June Loves post.  I was starting to feel discouraged about Jordan’s behavior and my own reaction to it.  Her – whiny, testing boundaries, not doing what she was told and me – yelling or losing my patience.  So I started reading and researching about how to deal with it in a more positive and constructive way.  I remembered the book I read when James was a toddler and rereading it has already made a huge difference.  I’m much more calm in dealing with my threenager now.

Also, for James’ camp this summer, I’m sharing carpool duties with Jamie and Ali-Shaun.  It’s been such a lifesaver, espeically considering the camp isn’t close to our homes.  Coming together and sharing the responsibility reduces our workload and frees us up to do other things.  #ittakesavillage

Stripe JumpsuitClear HeelsCrossbodySunglasses

Always #teamjumpsuit and this one is no exception!  I love the wrap style culotte pants and gorgeous aqua/cream stripe combo.  It buttons inside and ties at the waist to keep the top closed.  I appreciate the pockets and it’s fully lined.

Jumpsuit Fit :  Fits TTS, I’m wearing an XS, but a petite would fit even better. 

TAKE THE PRESSURE OFF

We hopefully all have that one friend that really knows how to talk us off a cliff when we’re spinning.  I’m lucky to have several of those women in my life, but an extra special one is my friend Karen.   One of the things she always reminds me when I call her all confused and anxious is – we don’t have to have all the answers right now.  When I sit back and take that in, the situation loses intensity and I’m left feeling better about it.

I’m getting better at being “okay” in the midst of the storm and knowing that when the solution presents itself – and it always does – I’ll be open to it and better able to act on it then.

YOU ARE IN CONTROL OF HOW YOU FEEL & REACT

Certain situations may be out of your control, but how you react to them is within your control.  In theory, this is a simple concept, but it can be difficult to live out.  For now, just try being mindful of this.  When something happens, pause for even a second before immediately reacting.

It doesn’t happen often, but occasionally someone will send a rude comment my way.  It used to upset me for up to two full days when I would read something like that.  I’d get on the phone with other blog friends who could relate and hash it out, “who does that?!” and then feel bad about myself, feel angry that I let it get to me, and feel annoyed that I gave it so much energy. #dumbdumbdumb

Now, it might still sting in the moment, but I try to turn it around and say a genuine blessing for that person and move on with my day.  I don’t even respond publicly. They don’t need to know they’ve been blessed, but hopefully they feel it in the world and treat other people with more kindness moving forward.

I prefer to give my energy to the lovely people who support and encourage me.  I feel it’s a disservice to those kind souls if I give more weight to the single negative comment than the hundreds of positive ones!

White DressWedgesSimilar Pink NecklaceSimilar Wooden Bag

How fun is this dress?!   It works as well for the office or brunch as it does for the Sunday service.  The higher neckline allows you to show off a necklace, and then it has a flirty flutter sleeve.  The little pom poms on the front actually lead to a tie belt in the back.

Dress Fit : TTS, I’m wearing 2P

STAY THANKFUL

Focusing on the good things and the blessings in your life will help you stay in an attitude of thankfulness and positivity.  Even the negative things can turn out to be blessings. Remember that Garth Brooks song, “Unanswered Prayers”?

Many years ago, there was a lawyer job I was this.close to getting and it fell through.  It seemed so perfect, a great firm, big salary, lots of opportunity.  And then it suddenly didn’t work out.

Originally, I was so distraught and felt like I’d never find another legal job.  And you know what? I didn’t.  I’ve been blogging full time ever since.

What a blessing it was that God closed that door!  The things that seem like the worst, can turn out to be the best.  Or at least there’s a reason God allowed that situation to happen.  He’ll use it for good in the future. I’m so much happier now with my flexible schedule blogging getting to talk to y’all than I ever was as a lawyer.

It’s a similar situation with my family.   The struggles I went through as a kid helped shape my destiny because I knew I did not want that hardship in my own life as an adult.

I can look back on those times when I changed schools every year as a blessing that helped me learn how to make new friends when my old ones were left behind.  My mom is the same way; she always kept a positive attitude, even when things were tough.  We struggled financially, but no matter how tight things were, she always expressed gratitude that we were healthy and together, with a roof over our heads.

As parents, our kids are always watching and learning from us, and I’m thankful that those are some of the core messages I learned from my Mom.  I hope to inspire that in my own kids.

Over the Shoulder ShirtSkirtMiller SandalsWatch

Y’all really liked this top and skirt combo when I shared it on Stories a couple weeks ago.  It looks like a dress, but it’s really two pieces!  I was incredibly comfortable in it for church and then lunch later with my friend Trisa.

The skirt is fully lined with pockets and a tie waist and the top has a sassy one-shoulder ruffle.

Fit : TTS, I’m wearing XSP in both the top and skirt.

♥ YOU CAN SHOP THESE OUTFITS BY CLICKING THE PHOTOS BELOW ♥

TREAT YOURSELF LIKE YOU WOULD YOUR BEST FRIEND

Think of yourself as your own best friend.  Be kind to her and never talk to her ugly!  Instead of criticism, give her grace.  Take care of YOU!  If you make a mistake (we all do) ask for forgiveness and then move on.  Build yourself up so that you can become a happier, more positive person.

Then, you’ll be able to radiate that light to others, just by being that one of a kind YOU!

_______

These kinds of posts are always challenging for me to write because I don’t want them to come across as chirpy.  There are so many nuances and no easy answers for the serious, hard stuff in life.  But what’s beautiful is that we have been blessed with this life to live and love and we get a new chance to do it everyday.

If you want to be more positive, you can change that about yourself.  It’s a matter of attitude and perspective and allowing yourself to live that way.

You are a creative, compassionate and loving person.  You have everything you need inside you to live a life you love.  I pray that we all get to experience the fullness of joy that God wants us to have in our lives! 

I hope y’all have a fantastic day! Let me know in the comments if you want to see more posts like this in the future!  

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Meet Megan

Hi! I’m Megan, mom to a thoughtful teenager and spunky young girl. We call Houston home and recently moved into our dream home. I traded my lawyer hat to become a full-time blogger in 2010. I love sharing my passion for affordable fashion, home decor, organization, & fitness to help inspire you to take care of you!

77 Comments

  1. Amen sister! I LOVED this post, thank you! Such a great reminder that we get to choose our outlook on life, how we respond to people and situations, and how important is is to treat ourselves with the same kindness and compassion we give to others. Wishing you an amazing week!

  2. This message came at the perfect time. Struggling with some pain and health issues, and feeling very sorry for myself. I’ll turn this around. Thank you for your inspiring posts.

  3. Great post. Love when bloggers share their faith in the one true God. Glad you are back in church. Don’t know what I would do without my church family. Have a blessed week.

  4. Thanks for sharing this Megan. Such a great post! We are capable of being more positive people but it requires effort and consistency with good habits such as the ones you listed. If anyone is searching for another great parenting book, check out Peaceful parents, Happy Kids by Dr. Laura Markham!

  5. I loved loved loved this post. Thank you for reminding us how to stay positive and be thankful. This was such an inspirational post plus the fashion, great combo, I LOVED IT!!!! As far as I’m concerned you should write this type of post every Monday morning, great way to start our week. Thank you so much, please continue.

    1. Wow, that’s a really good idea. I’m definitely inspired to write more like this since y’all had such a good reaction to it. Thanks for letting me know!

  6. Thank you for sharing, just what I needed to hear on a Monday morning. I appreciate your openness in sharing and always enjoy your posts

  7. Loved this post, and that you are confident in sharing your faith openly! Such a great message. Sending you love and blessings!

  8. I commented on IG but wanted to here as well. You stand out as a blogger in a good way. You present yourself well, which is an excellent example to your impressionable sweet children. Instead of using a wine glass or talking about drinking to get you thru the rough times you lean on dear friends and our Heavenly Father. That shows the confidence and maturity you have chosen and your mom has instilled in you!??❤️ What a role model for James and Jordan. We all have times of weakness, but alcohol is not the answer, truthfully it tends to make matters worse. When you flaunt it publicly it makes you look weak. I have stopped following and reading so many bloggers because they are so disingenuous and come off as weak and for lack of better words trashy. But not you!! Bravo Megan! May the Lord bless you, your business, your children, your dear friends that honestly support you that you continue to be a positive influence on those that cross your path!!

    1. That’s such a nice compliment Delores. I enjoy a glass of wine every once in awhile too- my real trigger is ice cream! I hope you get back extra blessings!

  9. Love this post. So well said and such a great reminder to everyone of us. Thank you for sharing your words, inspiration and strength. Sending you blessings. 🙂

  10. I always look forward to reading your post. This one particularly has come at the right time. Thank you for sharing.

  11. Thank you for this post! And, I sure needed it this morning!! So, many helpful tips that I know, but tend to put aside or forget. BTW, not sappy at all!

  12. Love this post. As women we take on so much. I loved you said “be your own best friend.” Life is hard at time and sometimes we get the unexpected but staying positive surrounding yourself with loving positive people can help get you through things that are not fun.

    1. Oh you know we can beat ourselves up better than anyone- especially when it comes to mistakes with your kids. God would never treat us that way, we’ve never treat our best friends that way. I hope we can all be kinder to ourselves!

  13. I really loved this post. Thank you for sharing your faith with us! It’s so encouraging. I agree that giving your anxiety and concerns to the Lord is the most important thing. I also instantly feel better after praying through a situation instead of thinking entirely way too much about it or going to others first. It’s best to go to Him first and try to stay in His Word as much as we can to keep our minds in the right place.
    Love this blog!

    1. Overthinking has gotten me in so much trouble and then also been a huge waste of time! It’s all a learning process, but God definitely helps me through and calms me way down. Thanks for taking time to comment. 🙂

  14. Great post, Megan! I love that you use this platform to share your faith and positive outlook with others.

  15. I’m a complete stranger to you, but having read and followed your for several years now, I feel like I know you— at least a part. I’m less fit but finding inspiration to get back in gear, have similar style (have bought too many things you’ve recommended lol) and I’m a ex-lawyer figuring out my next step and a mom. Oh and most importantly a Christian that tries to lean on and grow in my faith as well. I just wanted to say that I love your blog and I would like you and follow you even if sometimes they can’t be pretty and made up and smiling! I like your home posts, routines, sharing your faith. I just hope you know that you are loved for you and sometimes in real life it’s not always pretty and that’s ok! People who like you will still be here!! You mentioned that sometimes things are like a tornado and it made me think of Lysa Teurkeurts book It’s not supposed to be this way.

    1. Well, we’re considered friends here Brandi. 😉 I’m so glad you finally commented so I can say hi back! It was a huge transition not practicing law after almost 10 years, but now I’m so thankful God closed that door and opened this one. I’ve heard of Lisa T, need to check out that book! I love everything by Beth Moore too if you want to check her out.

  16. So refreshing to see a “Christ Follower”, with a large platform, share your faith boldly. I too get weepy when worshiping. However, I’m grateful for recognizing what an Awesome God we serve and His love for us, which leads to overwhelming feelings of gratitude. Many Blessings to You!

    1. Oh girl, I always cry! Even when I’m happy! Last week they shared about a father/football coach who was helping a student that he found out was homeless. Bawled my eyes out.

  17. A perfect post, Megan! It is exactly what this stressed out, exhausted & emotional lady needed this morning, so THANK YOU. “Sleep” and “you are in control of how you feel and react” are my favorites. Wishing you a smooth, peaceful week ahead!

  18. LOVE, LOVE, LOVE this post <3

    So inspiring!! Thank you so much for sharing this with us! it was a great read & reminder for the start of the week!

  19. Such a good message Megan – it really is not what happens to us but how we react to it. Having friends and God in our court doesn’t hurt either!
    Stay strong my friend!

  20. Thanks Megan!! What an inspiration you are! It didn’t ,and never does, come across chirpy when you do posts like this. I’m so proud of how you aren’t afraid to express your faith. God bless you sweet lady!

  21. I am trying to wean myself from some of the blogs I read each day and live more life. Your blog however, is one that I love. There is the part that your you life experiences you share with us and the the smile you leave us with inspiration. You do an excellent job putting thought into your blog. Keep up the great job and have a blessed week.

    1. I know there are so many good blogs out there, so it’s an honor that you choose to spend part of your day here with mine! Have a great day Roxanne!

  22. Thank you so much for writing this post. I’m a new stay at home mom to three and feel like I lost myself and identity and spunk. Reading this blog was amazing! I’m going to save it as a little refresher to pull out and read again when needed. Thank you for being you!

    1. Liz, that means so much to me. I remember when I first stayed home with James after leaving my full-time job and it was a huge adjustment. I was starting to really let myself go- I wrote a post about it way back then and still remember it to this day. I started feeling much better when I took some time to get myself ready each day. I’m sending you extra energy though the computer- I’m sure it’s the biggest challenge & reward being home with three kiddos!

  23. Thank you for these awesome words!!! It’s everything I try to live by, especially at this time in my life. I was awaken after my cancer journey earlier this year! It strengthened my faith, cause me to take a closer look at myself, and opened my eyes that I had not fully apprciated all God’s many blessing. I’m thankful for the lesson learned, so I can give God my worries and live each day out loud!!! Please girls get your colonoscopy!!!

  24. I think I have commented before, mentioning that you were one of the first blogs I started reading back in 2010!! And I have witnessed you go through loss and you have mentioned you childhood and I have often wondered what your “secret” was for always remaining so positive in 9 years of following. Never giving energy to the negative, and exuding such confidence and grace. It has been inspiring, especially because you have the validity of knowing all too well some of the trials life brings. Thanks for sharing this, definitely helpful and timely for me!

    1. Oh no way! That’s when I first started blogging! My Grandma was a huge influence in my life and I’m so grateful for her wisdom. I hope I adequately expressed to her over the years how much she meant to me. I think I did, but she’ll still probably never truly know. She would, however, be so happy to see her message living on through me. I hope you have a great week Jill.

  25. I loved this post! I knew that it was coming straight from the heart – nothing chirpy about it. Thank you for the reminder to slow down, take a breath, appreciate what we have, and remember to keep faith in God’s plan for us. Everything always has a way of working itself out! Have a blessed and beautiful week! 🙂

    1. Oh good, you’re the first person to acknowledge that, so I really appreciate it. I never know how these posts will be received when I’m writing them, but I’m so very honored and pleased that this one seems to have resonated.

  26. This is what I needed today! I’ve been feeling so overwhelmed with school coming to and end, and work being hectic, that I e felt like I’ve been spinning blindly. Reading this post actually calmed me. I felt my jaw unclench and at the end, I’m ready to face my day with a smile! Thank you for being you!! Xoxo

    1. Omg, I love that so much! We don’t have to have it all figured out right now. That always calms me down. I hope you continue to take a breath, ace your exams and get some really good sleep!

  27. Beautiful message Meagan. Thank you for sharing the words we often think to ourselves. It’s truly inspirational to see a follower in Christ share a message steeped in biblical principles. Work has been tough lately and I plan to refer back to this post when I need a reminder that I’m not alone with life’s ups and downs. There are many blessings that come our way (even if they’ve come in the form of tough life lessons or difficult challenges). I appreciate you.

  28. This might be the best post to date! Truly exceptional and very much appreciated. I can’t imagine opening your heart and letting us have a glimpse of who you are, what makes you tick, etc. and then sharing how you deal with everything, in an attempt to help anyone who may need this message or be reminded along the way. As women (which I make the assumption that most readers are), we should be encouraging one another like your post did, rather than breaking each other down. I could write so much more but won’t take the space, just want you to know how much this means and I know God is saying, “Well done Megan, my good and faithful servant” 🙂

    1. Your message really touches my heart Dawn. It’s a testament to Y’ALL that this post has been so well received. YOU are awesome and truly my people! I’m so thankful for each and every one of you! Have a fantastic week!

  29. Megan,
    I have followed your blog for a few years and enjoy it very much. Thank you for your encouraging post! I appreciate the way that you share your faith. Blessings to you and your sweet family.

  30. Thanks for sharing Megan!!! I’ve recently started leaning on my faith and it’s made a world a difference, I’ve been feeling so grounded?? Thanks for being so open about it, love your positivity and blog!

  31. Love this article! I just turned 40 and certainly the areas you mentioned are forefront in this chapter of life. Great job sharing!

  32. Gosh I needed to read this today. Life is full and I feel like I am struggling to juggle everything expected of me. Would you be open to sharing how you and your hubby share kid related day to day tasks? I work out of home, and do all the things. Some advise would be so so appreciated

    1. It’s so so hard to juggle everything! I would just suggest talking to your hubby about how overwhelmed you are feeling so he understands the stress you’re under. Then y’all can discuss how to divide and conquer so that you’re not doing everything. I feel you!!

  33. Great post Thank You!
    Enjoyed reading, we all need to be reminded to think in a more positive way.
    Keep posting more posts like these.

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