Updated March 5, 2019
Well, I took an unintentional week hiatus on my blog. Between traveling to the Pinners Conference in Dallas, getting an ear infection, and then a migraine – blogging was the last thing on my mind. I suppose it was a way to force me to slow down a little bit and take a breath.
Blogging can do that to you. It’s a non-stop stream of thoughts, and you rarely turn that side of your brain off. You work, you hustle, you dream. And through all of that, you somehow start comparing your success to others’. You begin thinking,
“I’ve been doing this for 6 years. Why haven’t I gotten that kind of opportunity?”
“Why don’t I have more followers?”
“Is my Instagram feed not pretty enough?”
“Why don’t I get invited to things?”
The list goes on.
The comparison game is pretty ridiculous. It happens in blogging, and it happens in daily life. As put together (ha!) as I appear, I do have a lot of insecurities and doubts. When I start getting in that funk of discouragement, I always have to remind myself to choose happy.
Because happiness really is a choice.
When things go unplanned, my kids are particularly rambunctious, or if my husband and I get in a tiff – choosing happiness can either make or break my day.
I am very easy going and good with change, but when I get in a funk over something that makes me feel less than worthy, affirmations make all the difference.
“Words of Affirmation” is my love language because I do tend to be so critical of myself. I can’t expect others to always affirm me all the time, so it’s up to me to remind myself.
I’d like to think that giving myself affirmation is choosing happy.
Over the years, I’ve learned that I am in charge of the way I react to situations, success, failure, doubt, and hardship. I cannot control what will happen, but I can control how I will handle it. That’s why I choose happy.
I choose happy not because it’s the easy choice, but because it’s the right choice.
Some ways I affirm myself:
- Listen to uplifting music
- Read through comments/emails from people who I’ve helped
- Read old blog posts that I was really proud of
- Get some fresh air (if it’s not too hot)
- Exercise
- Play silly games with my children
- Cook a homemade meal for my husband
It’s the little things that really help me give myself a little pep talk. If you’re a “Words of Affirmation” person, you probably understand.
Here’s to choosing happy, even if it’s easier not to. How do you choose your happy?
Choose Happy Slouchy Shirt c/o Tulip + Vine
Whitney says
I’m totally a “words of affirmation” person, so here are some for you: You are an awesome woman and friend and I’m so lucky to know you! I love the recommendations that you give on the blog and I promise I’m not lying when I say that every single product I use has been recommended by you. I miss you so much! <3
GoFashiondeals (@Gofashiondeals) says
Love love love this post! You are so right. It is so easy to get caught up in all of that. Happiness is important
Nikki says
It’s so easy to get in that comparison game, but so hard to realize you’re good on your own too! I love the words ‘Choose Happy’ because it’s something that is yours and you can make happen! For what it’s worth, I think you’re an amazing blogger, mother and person :)! Keep doing you girlfran!
Katie says
PD is totally a word of affirmation person. I LOVE this post, and you too of course.
Amy March says
Yes yes yes. I have an anxiety disorder and it used to rule me. My absolute favorite book that saved my quality of life says “choose to under-react.” That saying has absolutely saved my sanity.