While I tend to share my life every single day.. I’ve realized that I’ve never really written a post or talked about my “Glass Half-Full” Attitude toward life. With all that’s going on in the world right now I’ve had many of you notice and mention that I always seem to be positive/happy. It hasn’t always been that way so I figure that now is as good a time as any to share what it is that keeps me going and feeling good each and every day.
Many of you know how open and honest I am with all of you when it comes to my personal life.. I’ve shared everything from how I met Jeff to our infertility struggles and even my recent difficult explant surgery. As a result I’ve received many messages from you asking how I stay so positive and truly happy each day in both IG stories & my blog posts. Even throughout the hardships that we’ve endured throughout our lives.. I find that I try to keep my chin up and stay positive every day. Where does this come from and how do I manage to do it?
After being asked this so many times I’ve decided to write a quick post sharing what I do to keep a positive attitude throughout my marriage, my life as a mom, through work and more.
In my early twenties, immediately after marrying Jeff I hit a wall. While I was happy to finally be married I felt extremely overwhelmed. We had just moved to a new city away from my family and friends, I disliked my job immensely (I was a travel agent) and then Jeff’s dad passed away. If that wasn’t enough, we also learned that we would have to go through IVF to have a baby. This time period was extremely hard for me to say the least and I was constantly battling feeling down and depressed.
Thankfully I had Jeff who looks at things with a “glass half-full” attitude. I’ve always considered myself a positive person but for some reason I wasn’t able to lift myself up during this time. He talked me through so much and had me take a deep hard look within myself. Jeff’s a very introspective guy but also a take charge kind of person. It’s all about moving forward for him and I love that. He listened then had me look inwardly at each issue to see what I needed to do to manage things and look at everything in a different light. He would say that it’s in my control and that helped me so much! Mind over matter as they say.
Because of this advice I’ve been able to get through some really difficult challenges in my life – going through InVitro 3 times, the loss of my dad, and my mom going through breast cancer twice.
Here are 3 things that work for me whenever I’m feeling down that help me remain positive and happy throughout challenging times & keep my “glass half-full” attitude..
- Do something, anything, that you can start & finish in one sitting – Whether it’s making your bed, organizing your room, going for a run, trying a new recipe. Try to do something that allows you to sit back and say, “Yay! I accomplished that.” You’ll be surprised at how something as simple as a start and finish project can make you feel so much stronger.
- Look at everything as a blessing –
this advice is tougher because it’s easier said than done. Rather than looking at what I don’t have or what I’ve lost, I try instead to look at what I’ve gained from the experience or what I do have. When I lost my dad, the one way I was able to work through my grief and sadness was to think of all the moments that I had with him that were special and meaningful. He was always such a happy person. Throughout everything in life, he was positive. I remember always asking him how he never worried and he would constantly tell me that he didn’t want to concentrate on things he couldn’t control. “You have to learn to let things go and move on, Kris.” He said this to me ALL the time!! I can’t tell you how much hearing this over and over again has helped me. Jeff is also similar in his approach to life and worries. Believe it or not.. that simplistic approach works if you keep repeating it to yourself. - Take time every day for a little self-care/evaluation –
of course this can mean different things for different people but I think it’s important that we take 10 minutes out of our day to relax and look inwardly. If you’re mad, sad, glad – why are you feeling that way? Writing my thoughts down, meditating or phoning a friend helps so much. Giving your feelings credit makes a huge difference in how you look at things and allows you the opportunity to turn things around so that you don’t feel overwhelmed. I like to call this my daily self-check. :)
Simple things I do daily to help my mood:
- Take Vitamins – I take Vitamin D3, Fish Oil and a multi-vitamin every day to help my mood & body (recommended for me by my doctor). This is just an example of things that I need. You need to find what works best for you.
- Create a schedule – This helps so much! Just by keeping a schedule & making weekly/daily to-do lists helps me stay organized and not feeling overwhelmed.
- Getting Enough Sleep – This is a struggle for me but one I find that’s so important. I’m a night-owl at heart but getting the right amount of sleep helps me approach each day more positively. It’s amazing how much mood is determined on sleep.
- Workout – This can mean anything! I like to walk with friends during the mornings, ride my peloton or even take a yoga class online. Doing something for your body helps your mind. It also just makes you feel successful no matter how much sweat is involved. You’ve started and ended something that’s good for you.. It’s a win win!
- Watch Youtube Videos – What I mean by this is I love to watch people clean/organize/eat healthy/etc. Their positivity and their ways of accomplishing tasks is contagious and in turn always makes me motivated and happier! Click here and here for two of my favorite accounts.
- Gardening – Gardening is so rewarding. Planting something and watching it grow makes me so happy. It can be something tiny that I’ve planted in a pot or a huge rose garden.. it doesn’t matter. There is just something so satisfying about helping something live and become it’s best.. gardening lifts my spirits. I dare you to give it a try. ;) If gardening isn’t your thing, try performing a hobby a few times a week that allows you to feel satisfaction and gives you the time to destress and forget your worries.
Most importantly, when it comes to approaching my every day mood I find that it’s really helpful to remember what Jeff and my dad have said about baby steps. Not everything has to be accomplished in a day and it’s the small steps toward accomplishing anything that help you get to where you want to be. In mood, work and life. Not every day is going to be perfect and while we may think that others are happy and totally together all the time, I guarantee you that they’re going through their own set of challenges and struggles too. It’s these reminders that help me keep moving forward and looking at life with a “glass half-full” attitude every day.
Sending you love and happiness today!
xo,
Kristy
Click here to see more personal blog posts from me.
Thanks for sharing.
Kristy
This is a great post. I am also a glass Half-full type of person. I wasnβt always this way but so grateful I was able to turn my perspective around. I have 5 kids and a husband, life can get stressful but I know being in a bad mood will only trickle down in my household and that is a situation I want to avoid. You have given the perfect advice to help people x
Love that so much Brooke. You’re so right in how much your mood affects those around you too. I always try to remember that. When Emma was little and having a cranky day we would tell her that kindness really does matter and it’s infectious. The more you smile and do something positive for someone else helps you in turn. Hugs! xoxo
I love these!! I consider myself a positive person but you are right we all have those down times! I love you advise on ways to take baby steps!! Thanks for sharing.
Kristy, thank you for sharing your how to’s. We all have our ups and downs. You are one of my favorite IG and blogs. You always encourage everyone to be positive and have a great day. Watching you clean, style your home, recipes, or your sweet Maggie and your garden updates, help me to make my day better.
Kristy,
Thank you! This is a perfect post.
Although life sometimes doesnβt always go as expected, I try to find something everyday to be grateful for as I have realized how quickly time passes especially now that the kids are grown. Also taking time for myself is extremely beneficial as it gives me the needed balance in my day.
Thanks for always providing a daily dose of extra positivity!
This is very uplifting π₯°
Thank you. I agree with so much of what you said. You are a stellar person and I enjoy you and Jeff very very muchβ€οΈ
Thank you for sharing Kristy! I agree with EVERYTHING you said and am so happy to say that this how I live my life too and Iβm so happy I can say that! Itβs a wonderful feeling to know and accept that every day is a gift and Iβm very thankful for each and every thing that happens to me, I always look on the bright side! Thank you again for sharing with all of us and I know because of your sharing, several followers will change their outlook if needed! π₯°ππ
Kristy, thank you for sharing and being βrealβ. You are such an inspiration β€οΈ
Love this post! It’s not some mysterious magic beyond us. There are concrete things we can do every day and letting go of what we can’t control is huge.
I do most of these things as well and my YouTube thing is dance videos. From movie dance scenes to performances.
Thanks for all these great reminders!πβ€
Thank you for this Kristy. It all makes so much sense. I appreciate your transparency! Xoxo
That was so uplifting! It really inspires me a lot. Last year my daughter went to have her baby by c-section and there was no heart beat. She had to deliver her naturally! My husband had knee surgery, found out that he had an enormous kidney covered in cysts! Then we found out this year that he possibly has prostate cancer, and that his kidney is 30% cancer. Last week our best fur friend was diagnosed with cancer and died. My husband hasnβt worked in a year! So all of the financial burden has been on me. So, to say the least it has been very difficult times. Some days I just want to hide and cry! BuT them I look at my 3 beautiful children and realize I have to persevere! I am really going to keep focusing on the good! Like my 3 beautiful children. I admire you so much!
You are such a beautiful empowering woman. I am so blessed to have found you on Instagram. You and Jeff are my peace,. When i watch you guys I just feel so happu! Your post takes all the stress from my hectic day away. ! You guys are so happy and funny! Thank you so much for sharing this and I am
going to try to incorporate some of your advice into my daily routine! Lots of love to you, Jeff and Maggie.πππΊβοΈπΈππ»
Thanks so much for sharing Kristy! I struggle almost daily with staying positive and feeling good so reading about your own personal struggles in the past and how you dealt with them is very helpful and encouraging. I love watching your daily stories and getting a glimpse into yours and Jeff’s world!! You both are awesome!! π
Thanks Kristy, always! This TRULY touched me today, I am bad about skipping some things, quick to get to swiping up, shopping and such, but today I read the blog!!! Yes, I know some of these things myself, but boy had I forgotten lately & so grateful for this reminder! ππ Iβve always been told that I do have a choice each day, choose wisely, be happy or be sad βΊοΈ Always sounded so cliche and definitely difficult at times, but I now know at 57, it is pretty much what we must do π xoxo
Very nice, said from your heart, I am sorry for all your hardship, thatβs life , what happens to you happens to all of us, we have to do as your dad and Jeff said you have to move on, life takes over. Love you kristy, I was wondering how you stay so positive, youβve had and got good men, mom and Emma in your life, and you have soooooo many friends, god bless you
Thank you for sharing so much with us. You empower us all by sharing your experiences. Youβve endured a lot and youβve grown through the adversity. Thatβs always a silver lining. Your implant/explant story moved me. That sounded very horrific and Iβm glad you are healed and well. I had NO idea of your background until maybe a couple months ago. I started following you. Your positivity lifted my spirits with being a working mom of a grown son with autism whom my husband and I care for with a labor of love. We have been through so many ups and downs navigating this world with him. We never know the trials each of us faces. And yet we ALL have them. Sharing inspires and shows us many make it through tough times and so can I. Thanks for brightening my day. Sincerely, a happy follower. VG
Great tips! Just what I needed to hear tonight!
Thank you for this post! It is a wonderful reminder of some “simple things” to make each day even better. Enjoy your weekend!
Thank you for sharing Kristy. Iβm a breast cancer survivor and try to stay positive and grateful. I love following you because of your positivity, your love for gardening, decorating, etc. xox
Thank you for writing this Kristy. Itβs such simple yet really helpful advice. My 20 year old son was diagnosed with Hodgkins Lymphoma and just finished 6 months of chemo is in remission! Instead of dwelling on how horrible is was, we focused on all the love our friends and family poured on us and it got us through it. You have to find the good. Thank you for the reminders. Love and cheers!π₯π»πππ»
Thank you Kristie. I enjoyed reading this. I look forward to your daily stories. YOU keep me motivated. You truly are a positive influence.
This really helped me. I just lost the love of my life after 33 years of marriage. He was only 62. Itβs almost unbearable to think of my life without him but I love your tips especially what your Dad said.
Thank you for sharing. β€οΈ
Thank you for sharing Kristy. I enjoy watching and listening to you share your garden, home decor, cleaning tips and Jeffβs cooking. My husband loves to cook too. Thank you, your positivity brings me calmness and motivates me. Also love seeing all that beautiful sunshine!
Appreciate all your suggestions and will be trying them out. Your blog came at a perfect time as I am overwhelmed with work and dealing with sad feelings about the cancellation of my sonβs high school graduation ceremony. I love the idea to pick small accomplishable goals. Thanks for sharing!
As a women in her 50βs I have come to realize stressing is not the answer. A good friend told me βit is what it is what it isβ so now this is my go to phrase. Thanks for sharing I like yourself enjoy knowing what others do in similar circumstances as myself and your blog is helpful.
Thank you for your positivity π
Thank you for sharing . Lots of good advice that I will try to remember .
Thanks for Sharing this. It is the key to a good life. It really hits home. I try and live by this philosophy as well. Itβs tough at times when the world is pushing so much negativity. I truly believe the silver lining is always there.
Hello Kristy. I love it. This is a great post. I am a very positive person too, but I also have my weak moments. I had InVitro and couple of miscarriages couple of years ago. InVitro didnβt work for us :( Thank you for your advise and sharing. You are an inspirationβ€οΈβ€οΈβ€οΈππΌ
Very nice of you Kristy to take the time to send out uplifting suggestions and techniques for staying positive!π
Thank you for sharing your story I believe if you wake up in the morning with a positive attitude itβs a great day but if you wake up on the wrong side of the bed it just seems like you canβt get your thoughts together or get anything done. Time for yourself is very important whether it be a walk in the garden, planting, I do that too I need my own time as well. Your home is always so beautiful every room looks like a breath of fresh air I absolutely love your outdoor patios. I so enjoy getting on here listening or liking your posts I thank you for Sharing. You and Jeff are the cutest couple you too are truly blessed. Stay safe ππ»
Well written ! I always try to be a glass half full person as well. To find the good in a situation rather than dwell on the bad.
Itβs hard sometimes and after divorcing 8 years ago at 50 and after a 26 year long mostly bad marriage I have struggled with many things. As time goes by though there are less and less tears and more and more smiles. Iβm blessed with two daughters, 26 and 16 years old and a grandson, 3 years old. As well as I still have my parents.
Though I may always have struggles, I choose to be happy. We have to make that conscious choice daily to see life as a glass half full. You just may discover your glass is even much fuller than you think. Itβs a Choice we have to make ! xoxo
Thank you for sharing this! You are appreciated. Such great tips and real life advice that anyone can relate to. Attitude is everything! Keep shining your light!
All great suggestions – I too am a positive person, but everyone gets down from time to time. Thanks for sharing… Love following you, Kristy!
Thanks for sharing Kristy! I agree with every single thing you wrote! Especially learning to let go of things we canβt control (which is so darn hard!!). Also – have you ever watched βHow Jen does itβ on you tube? Talk about motivation..::watch her zone cleaning videos – youβll be cleaning non stop for days! :) – have a lovely weekend!!!!
So uplifting and heart felt, thank you Kristy, I needed this :)
So beautiful. Thanks 4 the words
Thank you for sharing!! I appreciative your honesty and how you get through trouble times. Great advice!!! Enjoy your day!!
Thank you for this! Just what I needed. β€οΈ
I love it! Youβre the best! Iβll be referring back to this and even sending friends to read this. Thanks for all you do!
Thank you Kristy. I have 3 people on instagram that just brighten my day and you are one of them. Your page always has such beautiful colors and colors are very uplifting to me. Blessings to both you and Jeff.
Thank you for sharing! I too am a glass half full kind of person and truly subscribe to these choices π God bless you, and continue to shine your special light!
Lovely and wonderful suggestions.
Excellent post! Itβs no wonder that I like you so; we think very much the same. But just as Jeff and others help you stay the line, your post helps me to remember whatβs important. Gratitude is the key for me but I donβt keep it in mind enough. A nudge from you, your post, or husband, parent and friends makes everyday a little better. Thanks for the post.
Lovely uplifting post. You have given me a lot to think about. Stay safe and positive.
Kristy,
Thank you so much for this post. I am struggling right now for a variety reasons and trying my best to to move forward! This post was an inspiration! Thank you! Thank you!
Kristy-
Thanks you so much for sharing how you stay positive and looking at life with a βglass half fullβ lens. I so appreciate your stories, blog, and overall just enjoy your and Jeffβs love of life and for each other.
Times are strange and I found myself in a funk lately, I will practice some of your suggestions and do my best to stay positive.
Canβt Thank you enough for inspiring me.
Sincerely,
Cari
What a great blog Kristy. I love that advice from your dad. βDonβt worry about things you canβt control, and learn to move onβ My dad is the sameπ Jeff is wise as well, love his attitude. Love your instagram feed, its a bright spot in the world for sureπβ€οΈ
Very wise words, thanks for sharingβ€οΈ
Dearest Kristy,
It really is through our roughest times that we find strength. Life is a huge learning experience and if we don’t fail or have bad times we cannot appreciate the goodness life brings us. It’s refreshing to see such an honest heartfelt post. Like all of your blogging, you say it from your soul β€οΈ Your journey is such a treasure and I’m honored to watch you go through life with your glass half full attitude. You are so lively and a true diamond. Thank you for sharing!!!
Thanks for sharing this, Kristy!! I try to live the same kind of life for different reasons, of course. But we do a lot of the same things in order to keep that healthy mindset about life!!
I enjoyed reading this so much! My attitude towards life is so similar to yours! I am now in my seventies, and learned years ago, that we have only so much control; and need to just have faith that God will take care of the rest!
This was very helpful. I have anxiety that just came about when I retired this year. Going to try some of your suggestions. Thanks.
Your experiences and advice were much needed reflection reading. Thanks for sharing, especially during this time.
Hi Kristy, Thank you for sharing. I, too, have always wondered about how you manage to to stay so upbeat and positive. You are truly a ray a light and that comes through in instagram! xx
This was so lovely to read, Kristy! You really are a light here on Instagram. Your kindness and joy shine through and you are a blessing to so many. A day brightener for sure to watch your stories every day, especially in such a difficult time like this. Thank you for sharing and keeping things real! XO
I loss my dad suddenly in December. I can honestly say that it has been one of the hardest times in my life. Things were complicated between us. I know he loved me but I am still working through so much. And losing him suddenly leaves me feeling unsettled. Itβs a process I know. And it is still so fresh for me. Thanks for sharing these tips. I can honestly say some I am doing which helps to have a clear mind. And some I need to do. Thanks for being a calm and sweet presence!!