5 Ways to Stay Positive

Let’s talk about ways to stay positive when things are hard. Why? Because things are hard. LOL

The last few days have been a major challenge in my house. My son, who is 4 and in PreK this year, brought home a drawn-out, crazy virus that has us all sick. My poor son has it the worst, with green goop coming out of his red, swollen eyes, and his ears are clogged. Before getting sick last week, he had been having a lot of difficulty falling asleep and staying asleep. This started after Halloween (sugar + scary stuff). Lavender on his feet at night has helped, but he still became worn down, and was the perfect candidate for illness. Just as the new baby was settling into a great routine, and a full night of sleep, the older one starts. Welcome to parenting multiple kids!

My son’s sickness and unwillingness to sleep has been pretty terrible in itself. Couple that with my husband and I being sick, not sleeping, and the baby teething (and seeming to have a cold too), and we are on Crazy Street. The days have ran together. In my life, I’ve had many tests of my sanity and my ability to stay positive. This one has proven to be a pretty big one so far. Maybe it’s the lack of sleep, being sick, being everything for everyone else, feeling like I’m drowning, feeling like I can’t get anything done, and of course, not being able to write. I started this writing challenge for November, and I’m not able to participate. It’s a major drag.

Make it About Service and Love

If I just focused on my troubles, then I’d miss the fact that the most important thing right now is that my kids have me when they need me. It’s a sacrifice, but that’s what happens when you decide to take responsibility for another human (or more). Maybe you’re taking care of a sick relative, or have to take care of someone’s pet, and it’s an inconvenience. It’s a headache, but it’s also an opportunity to focus on serving. When you give of yourself in a genuine way, it really brings joy. When you have an inner dialogue of “why me” or “how can this be happening” (which I’m guilty of doing), then you lose sight of the service. You lose sight of the opportunity to step into your power, and be the light for someone else.

Put Up Visuals and Change Your Phone Wallpaper

I’m the type of person who has to have visual reminders. I need things in my face so I can keep my head above water. This is so important for parents, caretakers, teachers, nurses, or anyone who is constantly having to tend to others’ needs on a regular basis. I changed my phone wallpaper to “Your joy and your lessons are in the hard stuff.” I look at my phone a lot during the day, so it’s a good place to keep some inspiration. I’ve always had post-its or little cards with motivational things in my bedroom and on the fridge, but yesterday, I started putting stuff in my kids’ rooms. Just little things like, “Be what you needed when you were their age” on the night light helps me get through the middle of the night shuffling between both kids.

Ask for Help, or Maybe Say No to Certain “Helpers?”

This is a tough one. It’s great to have help because that lifts your spirits. Then sometimes, the people who you’d like to look at as “helpers” are really just causing more stress. This is something I’m very familiar with, and it can be depressing in itself. Not everyone has those people who are really good with their kids, or can handle adversity. Some of us have family that tend to create more issues on top of the stress we already have. They themselves can’t be positive, so they aren’t exactly the best candidates for difficult times. So instead of accepting their help, you may need to thank them and say no. That’s ok. If they are offended, it’s not your issue to worry about. You already have enough going on.

What Do You Want Your Story to Sound Like Someday?

This has really been on my mind. When I’m up at all hours, feeling like I’m going to jump out of my skin, I keep thinking about how this is going to be a story. The mood of the story, and how that story ends is up to me. I don’t mean one I can make up, but what really happened. What story will live with me all of my days? My kids can remember me as flaking out and being miserable, or they can think back on my strength. I’m really towing hard for the latter (hard people!) Now more than ever, we need examples of strength and sacrifice. I’d like to contribute to that, so that motivates me to not completely lose my mind right now.

The Hard Stuff is Where the Blessings Happen

As a child, there were times when I felt so alone. In that darkness is where I learned to be my own best friend. It’s where I learned about God, and that praying about your troubles is one of the most powerful things you can do. Knowing there’s an Infinite Goodness, a Father, and a Creator of all that’s in existence is a powerful and beautiful thing. I know for a fact that I wouldn’t have the faith that I do if I hadn’t been in a situation where I really needed it. So, I am thankful for the troubles; the darkness. It’s where we discover the goodness and the light.

Is Everything Always Negative?

I hear you. This is something I’ve always struggled with, and still have a hard time overcoming. Life is tough, and having someone to hear you out helps. Health coaching changed my life, and I’m now doing it for others. If you’re interested in learning more, you can go to this page or contact me below. I graduated from the Institute for Integrative Nutrition with my certification as an Integrative Nutrition Health Coach. An IIN Health Coach has a unique training and education because we learn how EVERYTHING affects your health. It’s more than food, exercise, or personal care. Your health depends upon every facet of your life. Click here to learn more about IIN, and see if this program may be something you want to do.