Staying Positive

     To me, staying positive is a lifestyle change that never gets a day off. We all have bad days, but being positive and happy is something that takes a lot of work, but is totally worth it.
      So, where to start? Sometimes, being negative is easier than being positive. A lot of us are used to being down a lot of the time, which is really unfortunate, but think of it like a snowball. Once you get the ball rolling, it just keeps getting bigger and bigger until it's way out of control. Just like feelings: you can have a bad day, you can fail a test, you can have a fight with a friend and all of a sudden you feel like life is too overwhelming. I want to tell you how I deal with days like this, because once I found what works for me, all it takes is a little thought and my day is instantly brighter.
     First of all, wake up early. This sounds horrid, but it's worth it. I like to wake up early because this way I can eat breakfast, make my lunch and look presentable. This instantly makes me feel like my day is off to a perfect start. Every morning, I usually read from Demi Lovato's book: Staying Strong 365, which has a page with a quote and a goal for every day of the year. It really inspires me to use my day for good and good only. Next, treat your body right. A lot of you are probably wondering what this has to do with being positive, but trust me, eating foods rich in nutrients makes you happier. It worked for me, a girl who was raised a picky eater- eating pizza probably three times a day. If I can eat well and exercise, anyone can. Oh yes, and exercise. Even if its a walk around your neighborhood, exercise is a great way to clear your head. All your stresses and burdens just go away when you're running, or biking etc. It's my therapy. Your body is your temple, and at the end of the day you will be with yourself forever, and it is about time you treat your body with the kindness and self-love it deserves.

     All of these factors play a role in staying positive, but the most important thing to do is simply choose happiness. No matter what a day has thrown at you, remember that nothing exists other than the present. The past and the future do not  matter, so stop stressing about what you have to do, or what you could have done. Do one thing right now that you're afraid of doing and I promise you that you will never waste a day of your life. To chose happiness, remember that if you're angry- you chose to react that way. If you're sad- you chose that as well. So why can't you choose happiness?