I am a rather positive person. Many would describe me as bubbly, smiley, and happy (most of the time). Even though I do complain a good bit, I have noticed one thing that really helps me stay positive, and I have tried to teach it to my family and some friends as well.
It all lies in these 4 little words:
“At least I have…”
When you’re already in a negative mindset and want to wallow, it can be really hard to turn the frown upside down. BUT, feeling happy is objectively better than feeling sad, and getting yourself into a happier mindset can be really easy with these four words that force you into a headspace of optimism and gratitude.
I’ll give you some examples from my own life…
Biochemistry is so hard and my grades suck.
At least I have access to an amazing education and brand new knowledge. At least I can afford a textbook that helps me learn this complicated information.
I didn’t get cast in the role I wanted.
At least I have the opportunity to practice dance/music/acting in another role. At least I live in a time when the arts are celebrated.
I wish I had abs like her.
At least I have a strong, healthy, capable body that is beautiful and amazing its my own unique way. At least I have abdominal muscles that help support me and let me move the way that I want to.
My boyfriend and I are fighting.
At least I have someone in my life who I care so deeply about. At least I have awesome friends who can support and comfort me.
My apartment isn’t as nice as my friend’s.
At least I have a roof over my head, a comfy bed, heat in the winter, and running water.
I got an annoying cold and sore throat.
At least I have an immune system that is not compromised and is able to fight off bacteria and viruses. At least I have an excuse to rest in bed!
I wish I had more money to travel to cool countries.
At least I can afford plane tickets to school and to the places I have already had the chance to visit. At least I have a job that allows me to make money so I can travel in the future.
When you use this phrase, you are looking at the bright side and acknowledging things that you are grateful for – both keys to having a positive mindset. We each are fortunate and have so much to be grateful for, and it’s such a great practice to acknowledge all of this daily. Granted, it is totally okay and necessary to be sad, upset, angry, and negative sometimes. The key is to feel those feelings and move on when it’s time to be happy and positive again. Hopefully the turn around is a fast one, so we can fill the world with more smiles :)
Self- Love IS NOT selfish. Grab the guide below to learn why!
And here is the SQUASH recipe as promised...
* works for acorn squash or delicata squash*
Ingredients:
- squash of choice
- 1 tbsp of avocado oil (per 1 large squash or 2 small squashes)
- plenty of pepper
- 1/2 tsp sea salt
- 1/2 tsp lemon pepper
- 1/2 tsp herbs de provence
Method:
- preheat oven to 400 F
- cut squash and take out seeds
- slice into pieces
- drizzle with oil and sprinkle on seasonings
- bake for about 30 min
- flip and bake for another 15 min
Want more recipes? Check out my FREE guide to all things SMOOTHIES!