Elle’s Edit: How I Am Staying Positive

This year sure has been an interesting one and even with the ups and downs I still try to stay positive.

With everything going on in the world along with some setbacks in my family heath it can be pretty hard to stay positive. I have always been a positive person and always say my glass is half full but in situations like this it is easier said than done. Staying positive gives me signs of hope in the most difficult times. I wanted to share with you what I’m doing to stay positive in case you were looking for ideas too!

Remind yourself it is only temporary. I try to tell myself this often that this theoretically should only be temporary. Sure the new normal is going last probably forever but we are all adaptable and can make this work. We are in our 5th month of this but just note that 5 months of your entire life isn’t much at all. Sure it sucks, but we will get through it. Just do your part to make it temporary.

Remind yourself it could be worse. So many people are struggling right now and you have to remind yourself that you have it good. Are you sick? Are you still employed? Can you still pay your bills? Just having one of those things is a huge blessing and people would do anything to have that.

Find something new that makes you happy. I try to do this every now and then to switch things up and to make me happy but most recently my new favorite thing is the Citi Bike. If you aren’t from the city, this is a bike program where there are many stations across the city and you “dock” your bike. Many streets are closed due to less traffic and part of the open streets program and it allows a larger space to bike and get around the city. Given I won’t be taking the subway for quite some time, Citi bike it is! I am enjoying getting outside and seeing the city on wheels as opposed to my legs. I got the yearly membership so I am hoping to keep this up until next June!

Remove yourself from social media. Social media can be a beast right now. The loop giveaways really bothered me during COVID and BLM movement. There is a time and place to do that (correct: there isn’t, loop giveaways are stupid) but please don’t do this during sensitive times. It is also really hard seeing people partying or being with their friends. It frustrates me people aren’t social distancing and taking this seriously and it also makes me sad because I feel like I can’t see my friends since they are all living with their parents. I’m trying to limit my social media time because I do find it really affecting my mood lately and that definitely won’t keep me positive.

Count your blessings. This goes back to remaining yourself that it could be worse. There are many things right now that I am thankful for and I am well aware of that. I am someone who always grounds myself and reminds myself of what is going on in the world and that I truly am lucky. I don’t take any of that for granted.

How are you staying positive during all of this?

Thanks for reading Elle’s Edit. If you have any topics that you would like for me to discuss, feel free to email me at elizabeth.lane.dooley@gmail.com. I would love to hear from you! xo