Positive thinking is more than just a tagline. It changes the way we behave. And I firmly believe that when I am positive, it not only makes me better, but it also makes those around me better.”
Harvey Mackay
November wasn’t the average month for me. I felt distracted and disconnected. I didn’t feel like blogging and promoting. I sat to my desk with my fingers above the keyboard waiting for the words to flow. Nothing happened. After trying it for several times, I started worrying. I just didn’t feel like doing it – and I worried more. I became disappointed and frustrated. I wanted to do something else – anything else.
It took some time and work to reconnect to myself. I had to intentionally change my focus. I realized I have the choice – every day – to focus and recognize the wonderful things I am grateful for, and that immediately put me in a better mood and impacted my mindset and the people around me.
I chose to focus on positivity and love, on things that make me feel better, and on people that make me feel loved. I know that my true happiness and inner peace come from my connections to myself and to the people around me.
This is what have helped me greatly:
- Accepting that I just wasn’t in the mood for blogging and allowing myself to step back and take a break. This was probably the hardest step.
- Being present, spending time with my family, and planning for the holidays. I did everything I needed to do: I wanted to be available and hold my hubby’s hand, to have meaningful conversation with my son, to be with them, and to appreciate their presence. I wanted to decorate my house, to cook my favorite meal, to read a book, to enjoy my Skype talks to my mother, to go to the mall without feeling guilty when my hubby invites me, to call my brother and talk to my nieces, to notice the changes in weather, to listen to Christmas carols, to take long walks and enjoy the fresh, cool air, and most of all, to be present.
- Taking care of myself and having a positive mindset. I’ve been able to refocus my energy and I’ve started doing things that fueled my soul, such as: journaling, using essential oils (lavender, lemon and orange oil) , and meditating more often. I’ve also spent more time in nature. The weather in Florida now is just perfect and I’ve been taking advantage of every second I could be outside. It’s calming, refreshing, and incredibly nourishing.
I realized, once again, that when we feel overwhelmed, shifting our focus from the annoying chores and struggles to the best things in our lives and focussing on positive and gratitude changes the whole perspective.
I hope that next time you feel frustrated and overwhelmed you choose to focus on the positive.
Now with so much goodness and loveness around me, I can easily start preparing for the winter holidays. There is so much I am looking forward to! I already made reservations to celebrate my upcoming birthday to my favorite restaurant, made plans with our best friends for Christmas and New Year’s Eve, I’ve already started shopping for presents and new decorations, and soon I will start decorating my Christmas tree. I feel the holidays coming and the joy in the air. I’m ready for all the fun and magic that come with these holidays.
With that, I declare open the Winter Holidays celebrating the togetherness, family, joy, and love.
Wishing you a fabulous December filled with happiness, love, and good will. I hope you beat every challenge and achieve your goals. Don’t forget that the best gift you can give to your loved ones is your time and presence.
Whatever you do, make sure it makes you happy!
ON THE BLOG IN NOVEMBER
Happiness Is Whatever You Want It To Be
24 Easy Ways To Be Productive In 10 Minutes
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It’s a crazy time of year and its so easy to get wrung out which is where I’m at right now. I loved the “acceptance” part of this post. I need to focus on what I enjoy about this time of year instead of what I have to do.
So glad to see you back Ana. 🙂
Sometimes the best thing that we can do for ourselves is to take some rest.
A great post and so true! Taking time for what makes us happy!
It’s such a mad rush the last few days of the year, and we probably need to just relax with our loved ones and recharge our batteries. I’m glad my daily dose of sunshine is back, and wish you and your family a safe a loving festive season Ana.
I totally agree. I have three girls, three dogs, a husband that is away at an Army school for a few weeks and a blog. I had to set the blog aside after becoming super stressed over it. Instead I spent time snuggling my girls and watching a movie with them.
Love this! I’ve been feeling unmotivated myself lately, so I appreciate you sharing your struggles with the same. Being present, and focusing on my blessings in the moment, are both such powerful and achievable recommendations. 🙂
I’ve been exhausted the past few days but try to wake up with a positive frame of mind and it really helps to keep me productive.
Your points are so important. Sometimes we need to reset and recharge a bit, I find it’s easy to forget to care about yourself, but it’s so crucial!!
Exactly more of what I need to practice for myself – being present and taking care of my body – starting with what I put in it. Thanks for the wonderful reminder!
I totally understand. On a reduced blogging schedule myself until after the holidays.
I can totally relate to this! Not with just blogging, but life in general. I sometimes get tired, stressed out and overwhelmed and suddenly go from being a multitasking wizard to someone who can’t even manage to complete the simplest of tasks. I always need to remind myself to take a break and regenerate.