Hellooo. It feels a little wrong to say "Happy Monday" like I usually do when the entire world is basically on lockdown and things aren't feeling too happy right now. However, I love to keep things light around here, so I am going to try to spread a little positivity and share 10 things that make me happy, without ignoring the situation happening in our world.
I want to preface the COVID-19 pandemic by, first of all, acknowledging all of the [high-risk or not] individuals who are scared and anxious during this time. This pandemic is not only disruptive to daily life, but it really is frightening and beyond unfortunate. I am not taking this lightly, and I send my love to anyone who is isolated, alone, fearful, or even bored during this time. No one is happy about this! Love, prayers, and thoughts to everyone. I firmly believe things will get better!
Especially as a senior in college, it's been really upsetting to think about how I'm never again going to a college class, our commencement is technically postponed but still uncertain, and I don't know when I will see my friends again. Each day is confusing and long and weird... but I am definitely trying to think positive and I just know there is light at the end of the tunnel!
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Our high school friend group is still really close, so one of my friends started an email chain last week. Each day one of us has to send a top 10 list... it can be anything. One girl did top 10 ted talks, another did our top 10 party memories from high school... Today was my day to email and I chose to do the top 10 things I like to think about when I need a pick-me-up.
I wrote the below for my best friends from high school. I like to think of you (the person reading this!) as a friend. I like to write on my blog like I'm talking to a friend, so I'm just going to copy and paste my email below. It's a little crazy and dysfunctional, but that's just how I am in real life.
I hope you enjoy this, and good luck quarantining. If anything, maybe it will just make you laugh or smile. We are all in this together and I think everyone can use extra positivity right now!
I basically just wrote down the top ten things I think about all the time that are positive and make me feel better. They're a little all over the place, but they are reminders I need sometimes, and I think a few of them are very valuable! Welcome to the inner workings of my brain!!
Here we go...
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Enter:
Sprout’s Top 10 reminders when feeling down / keys to happiness
Doubles as your MONDAY MOTIVATION!
(aka my secrets to how I live such an enthusiastic, positive, radiant life like a sunflower bean)
Some are v cliche but I am not messing around
1. Everything happens for a reason. Seriously. sometimes it takes forever to figure out what the reason is, but there is one. Always!
2. People come into your life and teach you things. And sometimes they don’t stay, and you really want them to, but they don’t. Or can’t. Or you both can’t. And it’s okay. When things are right, you just know. And any relationship or friendship of any kind should never feel like it's tearing you apart. It shouldn’t be hard. If someone isn’t adding something to your life, let them go. Sooner than later. It doesn’t have to be a bad thing! The past doesn’t go away! Memories are meant to be cherished. But you can’t live in the past. You have to move forward and know when to walk away from things that no longer serve you. And you always know when. Just make sure you do it.
3. No one is thinking about you as much as you. If you do something weird or crazy or embarrassing, no one noticed or remembered or cared as much as you. And everyone does things they feel are crazy or weird or embarrassing. #thistooshallpass #dontsweatthesmallstuff WHAT YOU FOCUS ON EXPANDS. focus on good vibes and being the best version of yourself. Try to do 1% better every day!
4. Life has surprised you in the past. It will surprise you again. When you don’t have anything to look forward to, or you’re sad about something, think about all of the times life surprised you with something fabulous. An adventure! A very fun night out! A sunny day that gave you good vibes! A new friend! It’ll happen again. When you least expect it, or when you need it most.
5. Trust yourself. Trust your intuition. Your gut feelings. We have them for a reason!
6. Few things cannot be resolved by the following 3-step method: a glass of wine. girl talk. sad playlist. if you have participated in all three aforementioned activities and not feeling better..... have another glass of wine. Or call me.
7. ALWAYS say the compliment. You know how sometimes u see something or notice something, and then don’t say it, and 20 mins later someone’s like “ugh does my hair look ok?” And you’re like “omg I’ve been thinking that you're a walking Pantene ad this whole time,” it doesn’t feel as meaningful or true as it would’ve if you’d just said it as soon as you thought it. There is nothing better than a genuine, thoughtful compliment. Both to give and receive. Everyone wants to be appreciated and hyped up and noticed and loved and treated kindly. Spread love!
8. Do your thing. Live your truth. Be yourself. You are fabulous. Sometimes I feel like I’m crazy or a huge freak but then I remember everyone’s truth is different and being yourself is what makes you, you. Whatever makes you happy, go for it and don’t look back! You may surprise yourself when you do your thing without worrying about what anyone else thinks. Look at me, for example... I have a blog, a tiny French dog, way too much energy... and no one cares!
9. Time heals everything. Everything will be ok. Live in the moment, take a deep breath, count to ten, go for a walk, listen to Van Morrison, write a letter, make a flower arrangement, pray for your family members. Or just burst into tears!!!! I cry all the time and it’s fantastic! ~if it’s not ok, it’s not the end~ life goes on! Not always well, not always how you want it to, but the sun will come up tomorrow and everything will be ok.
10. We have so much to be grateful for! Each other! Our families! Our health! Education! Financial, societal privileges! Clean water! A meal whenever we are hungry, a glass of wine when we need one, AND: none of us are ugly... I mean. I could go on! Seriously. There is so much to smile about.
Omg I’m like... gonna cry.
Love you people
Happy quarantining!
Shameless plug to my Quarantunes Spotify Playlist if you're interested!
XOXO
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