I never really set resolutions for 2016 because for me, resolutions are something that you attempt, succeed in or fail (let’s be honest, I totally still eat the Indian takeaways and drink the red wine and therefore fail) and then go back to doing the total opposite once January is over.
I never set resolutions because the only thing I really hoped for in 2016 was to be a happy and more positive person. And I felt like this would be something quite easy to achieve as so many wonderful things happened and came my way in 2015. And then December hit, and things started to get a little tricky. (Don’t worry, this isn’t a pity party for one, it’s just giving some context as to why I felt compelled to write this post).
When I say “things got tricky”, what I actually mean is “EVERY GOD DAMN BONE, MUSCLE, LIGAMENT, JOINT, TENDON AND BASICALLY EVERYTHING IN MY BODY HURT AND I WAS CONSTANTLY EXHAUSTED, CONSTANTLY HAD A HEADACHE AND FELT LIKE I’D BEEN RUN OVER BY A BUS” [insert exhausted cry emoji/guilty face for all of the capitals emoji here].
In short – because you know me and this could easily get long and rambly and 20,000 words long – I was diagnosed with Fibromyalgia… and as much as this was pretty devastating timing wise as I was so excited and positive for the year ahead, I suddenly had a realisation that this could go either way. I could be down in the dumps and moany as fuck or I could turn this around and really test my “Be positive b*tch” resolution, and that’s exactly what I did. And whilst yes, I still can’t really vlog because I can’t lift my arms up for longer than 5 seconds, and I now have to schedule my days strategically so that I don’t collapse on the PR mid lunch meeting (slight exaggeration but not too far off) … I am positive. I do believe that this will get better. I do believe that I can still achieve everything that I hoped for this year. And I still believe that 2016 will be frickin bloody great for all of us [insert non-existent Oprah Winfrey emoji here].
So I decided to put together my top tips for being a more positive person to help anybody else in a similar situation stay positive, and to be honest, to help myself too…
I’d heard this quote thrown around quite a few times before and as much as I wanted to believe it and told myself that I did, I don’t think I truly felt it deep down. (Can we just take a moment to appreciate that I’m practically Gandhi right now?) But it’s true, no I promise you… it really is, positivity is a choice. Don’t get me wrong, sometimes when you’re having a really bad day and everything is going wrong, I’m not telling you to go and hug a tree and feel like you’re having the best day of your life. But looking for the positives in every situation (no matter how small they may be) and focusing on those will really help your mindset.
Like positivity is a choice, choosing who you surround yourself with is too. Now this is a tricky one because I’m not saying ditch everyone that’s ever said anything slightly wrong, we’d all be left with no friends – unless you’re friends with Harvey Spector/Ryan Gosling etc. who of course can do absolutely no wrong 😉 – but I think everybody has experienced that one really negative person that only brings misery and negativity to their lives and you know what, life is far too short to surround yourself with people that bring you down. I am so lucky to have so many people I would call friends, but I have a very small group of best friends and those are the ones that can always make me laugh, give me great advice, be caring and generally just help me to be a more positive and happy person. Those are the people that when you find them, you need to keep them close.
Simple, costs you nothing and takes absolutely no effort, but when you’re feeling a little down, just smiling to yourself immediately lifts your mood. I also love this tip because doing this in public definitely makes you feel like a bit of tit – Oh hey random girl smiling away to herself on the train – which in turn, makes you laugh even more, subsequently feeling more happy and positive. Everyone’s a winner 🙂
What a fab post! I totally believe being positive is a choice too, and smiling really does help. Yes to Take That!! X
Everything But The Kitchen
Haha so glad I'm not alone in the Take That loving. Thanks lovely, pleased you like the post!
xx
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This is a lovely post. I don't know much about fibromyalgia but I hope it gets better and less painful for you this year and hats off to you for being so positive! I totally agree that being positive is a choice, even forcing yourself to smile can make you feel better!
Amy xx Call Me Amy
Thanks so much Amy, that really means a lot!
xx
This is such a lovely post, Elle and I agree with EVERY single thing you've said. I'm so sorry to hear about you being diagnosed with Fibromyalgia but if I know anything about you, I think you'll be one of those amazing people who says 'so what?!' and carries on anyway. It's what I love about you 🙂 And now that you're turning that into something that will help others.. well, you have all my admiration right there xxx
Sam // Samantha Betteridge
Thanks so much lovely lady, the kindest, sweetest comment. Really means a lot <3
xx
Positivity isn't always easy but once you make the choice to be more positive it breeds and makes such a difference. I hope that things get easier for you now that you have been diagnosed and you have an amazing 2016.
Emma Inks
Thanks so much Emma, I totally agree with you too!
xx
Oh hon I'm sorry to hear about your diagnosis but love that you're putting a positive spin on it and sharing with others. Great tips and I would also add that it's definitely okay to feel low or down in the dumps for a little bit, it actually can help you feel better because you have acknowledged how you're feeling 😉 Good luck and be well! x
http://www.majeang.com
Totally with you there, I think it's almost a bit unhealthy to not acknowledge it, plus it helps you appreciate the good times!
xx
A smile can brighten anyones day. I think it's one of my favourite things about living up north, if you smile at someone they'll smile back, and it'll cheer you both up.
Rubi | Instagram | The Den | http://www.the-den.blogspot.com
I so wish that was the case in London, I always get the weirdest looks for smiling at people!
xx
Such a great, uplifting post! Thanks for sharing these. I find it hard to be positive sometimes but it's something I'm always mindful of, great tips xx
Sophie Elizabeth
http://www.popcornandglitter.co.uk
Thanks so much Sophie, so happy you liked it!
xx
Beautiful post! Sorry to hear about your diagnosis, but it's great to see you deal with it in your stride.
http://www.thepharmersjournal.com
Thanks so much for the lovely comment!
xx
Love this and completely agree with all, especially being around positive people!! Loving your new layout by the way lovely! 🙂
Style Sunrise☀
🙂
x
Ah thank you hun, so pleased you do. Positive people really are the best!
xx
What a beautiful post, definitely picked me up! A cup of tea is essential haha!
Lowenna x | Lowenna Christine
Ah I'm so pleased it did, thanks hun!
xx
Sorry to hear about your diagnosis. I hope you feel better soon and will be able to get back to vlogging.
This is such an inspiring post. Thanks for sharing.
http://www.mydailywear.co.uk
Thank you Izabela, so pleased you think so!
xx
Sorry to hear about your diagnosis but I love your attitude. Hold onto that and absolutely believe that things can get better. There will undoubtedly be challenging days but being able to pick yourself up is a much needed coping mechanism. I know you don't know me but if you ever want to chat to someone who gets it, feel free to drop me an email any time 🙂
Donna
http://www.februarystars.co.uk
You are so kind Donna, thanks so much for your lovely comment!!
xx
I have a friend who was diagnosed with that last year as well, and yes it's a real thing. Thanks for sharing this post with everyone, it's very inspirational! I think it's important to surround yourself with positive people, that can make a real difference in attitude.
http://www.mintnotion.com
Thanks so much Eden and really hope your friend is doing well! Totally agree with you, positive people are everything!
xx
I definitely agree we can make positivity a choice, it's something we have to choose ourselves. I'm always here to support you girl in feeling good, and I hope 2016 is as amazing as you'd hoped despite the diagnosis because you can be as healthy and amazing as you feel and think!
Lauren x
Britton Loves | Lifestyle Beauty Wellbeing
Thanks so much lovely lady, I really know you are and will definitely be coming to you on down days (sorry in advance) Definitely need to see you soon!
xx
I love your list of tips on how to be positive Elle, I definitely agree with surrounding yourself with positive people! I can't wait to see what more you bring in 2016, I'm sure it will be just as amazing as your 2015 content!
Jasmine | jasminehardingmakeup.com xx
Ah thank you so much hun, I'm so happy you liked last years content!
xx
This is a lovely post, I hope you're OK, Elle! I think spreading positivity to others is the best way to build your own positivity, some great advice here! Staying positive is my single biggest struggle x
Martha Jane | http://www.marthajanemusic.com
Thanks so much hun, so happy you liked it!
xx
I’m loving this post. Very true! I’ve found that if I let the negativity bog me down for too long, it’s harder to see the silver lining. On the other hand, focussing on the positive helps me to believe that there’s a way out…and having faith does wonders for dissipating negativity! Now, I’m off to re-watch Luther 🙂
Haha Luther always, always wins 😉
xx
Sorry to hear about your diagnosis, but hopefully it can be managed.Love this post & I really hope 2016 brings everything you wish for! xx
Love the new layout too! xx
Beautylymin
Thanks so much lovely, me too. Hope you have an amazing 2016 too!
xx
Such a lovely post completely agree with you, they say laughter is the best medicine.
http://artadorned.com/
Thanks so much lovely, I am all about laughter to brighten any day 🙂
xx
This was a really great post without being lecturing and making anyone feel bad for feeling bad, but instead was just reminding everyone that positivity IS a choice. I used to disagree with that too but over the last six months I've really realised it's true! I felt really positive after reading this and will save it so I can look over it when I feel like I need to.
Rebecca | The Two Twenty Somethings
Xx
Ah thank you hun, the last thing I would ever want to do is come across lecturing, it's just little things that I really hope helps people 🙂
xx
Very inspring! You always seem so positive, so perfect for you to write about it. I'm so sorry to hear about your diagnosis, I hope this improves.
Love your ideas for things to make you happier. More fries is always a good idea!
http://Leftbankgirl.blogspot.com
Ah thanks so much lovely, such a kind comment, really cheered me up. P.S always yes to fries!
xx
Great post and ideas. 🙂
You're a strong woman. Your diagnosis may be a shock, but I'm sure it'll improve for you and you'll get stronger. But it all starts with the mind. If you want to give up, then you will, if you want to fight and enjoy your life to it's full potential then you can. Nothing can stop anyone apart from themselves.
Caroline.x
http://www.notesfromcaroline.com
Thanks so much caroline, that really means a lot 🙂
xx
Exercise is a great mood booster for me, even when I really don't feel like doing it. Also, finishing writing a blog post does give a good sense of satisfaction!
Totally with you on the blog post front Suze. The exercise loving is still yet to come 🙂
xx
I had to google fibromyalgia to find out what it is, I am so sorry that you got diagnosed with fibromyalgia. I am sure you will not let it affect you, being positive it always the key for most of the things in life. These tips are amazing and agree with every one of them! Stay positive and be strong! xx
ps. Love your photo, it is absolutely beautiful!
http://www.elabellaworld.com
Love this post! I definitely needed to read some of these tips!
http://www.ohsobecky.com
Firstly I am loving your blog look, secondly the photo is beautiful and thirdly this is right up my street positivity is definitely a choice and something to work at and become a habit but so important xx
BlondeOfCarbs
Whatever happens, girlie, this is the best choice we all can make. Thinking about you and hope your normal day-to-day life will go as you're used to and you will stick to this choice – positivity. It is a sensible decision we make, I completely agree with you, Ellie. Big hugs your way!
xox Nadia
http://www.mielandmint.com/
Great post just as your all blog. I think that you are an awesome blogger, and I wish you luck in future! Kisses :* If you want, look my blog and follow me if you like it. <3 http://fdiarybyz.blogspot.hr/
i love this and i'm in love with your writing too. everything is just so relatable and for that I must thank you. will definitely reflect all the things you wrote here more in my life.
http://www.rebelrebel.co x
What a lovely post! This has definitely made me smile.
And it's true. We need to take the positivity and happiness where we can get it, even if our joints are making us feel like old age pensioners! (Although I'd recommend what I've been doing lately, and try doing stretches twice a day. It's actually helped slightly alleviate some of the aches and pains I get.
Meg | A Little Twist Of…
Great tips, can't agree with you more that hapiness is a choice and we should appreciate the little things like watching some series (Suits for me too, please) or spending one whole day with your beloved one 🙂
http://crafty-zone.blogspot.com/
Hi Elle, you're not alone I had to take a 6 month break from blogging because my personal life just turned in to one big crazy mess, if you're feeling that bad take a rest, we will still be here, even though I had a break I still watched/watch you on youtube and did little things to keep me connected, but I had to find myself again and the love for blogging again.
Obviously it has been slightly different in my case, but I have turned out with the same positive attitude, I hope you start to feel better and I look forward to your future posts and vlogs!
Meme x
http://www.thedayinthelifeof.co.uk/
Awesome post. Thanks for the tips –Hanna Lei
Amazing post, thank you for share your ideas here!
XX
http://www.missydress.at
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