Staying positive in troubled times.

Don’t be a glass half full, be a glass that’s overflowing!

My Dad was one of the most positive people I know. He would see the good in almost every situation and had an ability to turn negatives into positives. It used to annoy me sometimes, especially when I wanted to wallow in my own self-pity. However, over the years I think his attitude wore off on me. He had the knack of approaching things with a childlike anticipation and excitement.

At the start of 2020 I was full of excitement and plans for this new decade. I’d set my goals and made my vision board. This was going to be a fantastic year and new decade. Little could I imagine how life would change a few months into the year with the rise of the COVID 19 pandemic. At first I was feeling very negative and sorry for myself. How could I possibly achieve my goals on the vision board especially as two were based on travel and two were linked to my growing business? I found myself confined to the house, worrying if my business would survive let alone thrive.

I could hear my Dad’s voice in my ear – “Dunna worry thee sen” (he was a broad Stokie).

Over the last few years I’ve been feeding my mind by reading works by successful people such as John Maxwell, Tony Robbins, Terri Savelle Foy, Jack Canfield. I have learnt that a positive attitude goes a long way to achieving happiness and success. We can’t control some things, but we can control our minds and attitudes. You can choose to be ruled by fear and negativity or by hope and positivity.

Terri Savelle Foy says “A grateful heart is a magnet for miracles”.

So how can you try to stay positive?

· keep a gratitude journal – every day I write 3 things I’m grateful for

· Instead of thinking I can’t do this… ask yourself - So what can I do/control?

· Celebrate little wins/successes – little wins add up to big successes over time

· Invest in your mind, body and soul each morning – exercise, meditation, reading

· Remind yourself of past successes (big and small)

· Look outwards – joy comes from helping others

This is a moment in time we find ourselves in – it won’t last forever.

How will you look back and remember it?