1. Talk to yourself
   • I love chatting to myself! Whether it’s talking through a situation or giving myself a pep talk, self talk puts me at ease. Once you get over the stigma that self talk is “weird”, you’ll feel more comfortable with events/circumstances and be able to visualize your thoughts better.
2. Surround yourself with people who make you happy
   • This may be one of the most difficult tasks, trust me I understand. However, the negative people in your life suck all of the energy and positivity out of you! So to accomplish this, put these people on the back burner (ex. stop texting them or looking them up on social media) and focus/spend time with people who bring more joy and laughter to your life.
3. Meditate or breathe deeply at least once a day
   • Now, I’m not saying you need to burn incense in your home or fold your legs up like a pretzel. However, taking time to sit in silence, breathe deeply, and just forget about everything bothering you for a good ten minutes can keep you not only sane, but less stressed and more inclined to think happy thoughts.
4. Start a positivity board on Pinterest or in your room
   • Sometimes it’s really difficult to stay in a good mood because giving into negativity is easy. But, if you have a board on Pinterest filled with pictures and quotes that make you happy, it will only take a few scrolls to get you back in the zone!
5. Practice gratitude
   • It’s so easy to think that everything is going wrong in our lives or that life sucks. But, what we often don’t realize is that someone out there has it 190 time worse than us. There is so much in life to be thankful for (ex. our families, being able to walk on our own two feet, or having a place to call home) and taking time to be thankful for the simplest things will always help you stay grounded and happy for what you have.
6. Write a journal
   • You really don’t need to write a five page essay every single day, but by just writing down your high for the day, something that made you smile, and what you’re thankful for once and awhile will keep you thinking positively!
7. Forgive yourself
   • This is the most crucial step! We all make mistakes, have bad days, and do/say things we don’t mean. By learning how to let things roll off your shoulders and move on will help keep you chugging along and focused on what really matters: being happy.

Now, I hope you incorporate these seven simple steps into your everyday life because you will start creating a positive mindset and outlook on life! So, what are you waiting for? Put your positive pants on and get going!!