LIFE

Time Never Stops

When things seem really bad, remember that no matter what, tomorrow is already on its way. So just hold your breath, count to ten, and deal with what you have to ‘cause pretty soon, all this angst will just be a memory. Think of all the fun things you have planned in the future – even if they seem a long way off, they’ll be here before ya know it.

I’m Still OK!

Remind yourself that there’s always someone who has it worse than you. They might not have your good health, your safe house, your delicious snackage or your awesome friends. But whatever it is, imagine that they were suddenly given your life. Put yourself in their shoes, and picture the sheer excitement they’d have if they had what you do. Then hang on to that happy feeling, and let it carry you right on through this rough patch.

Mirror, Mirror on the Wall

If you’re feelin’ down on yourself, grab a mirror and take a good look. Find five things that you like about your mind and your bod. And do not leave that mirror ‘til you’ve got those things in your head, girl. We know that you’ve got tons of awesome qualities, so you’ve gotta admit to at least five. Finding those things will remind you why you rock and will pump up your confidence so you can face whatever troubles you’ve got goin’ on.

Spread the Love

Have you ever been so grumpy that when your BFF bounces over to greet you, you totally kill her mood with one look? We’ve all been there, chica, and it’s not a great place. So put on the happy for someone else, if not for yourself. You love your buds, and you don’t want them to be miserable. So fool them into thinking everything is hunky-dory, and you’ll end up foolin’ yourself, too.

Planning Power

Instead of just sitting there and thinking how awful everything is right now, make a plan to fix up your sitch. Even if it’s not gonna have instant results, just knowing that there’s a way out and that things will improve can be enough to lift your spirits. Having trouble coming up with a solution? Ask your bestie or your mom for some help. They might see a way out that you haven’t noticed yet.

Memory Lane

Don’t like the way things are going now? Get lost in your past for a little while. Find a happy memory, and go over it in your head. You’ll find yourself just smiling at the thought. And if you’re having trouble focusing on the good times, pull out a scrapbook or some old pics to jog your memory. You’ll be surprised how much happiness can be preserved in one little picture.

The Impossibility of Perfection

Hate to break it to ya, babe, but nothing is ever perfect. No matter what you do, there is always gonna be some tiny flaw in the beautiful life you’ve built. But just because it’s there, doesn’t mean you have to notice it. So focus on the bright spots, and skip over the not-so-great ones that you just can’t change. Life is what you make it, so choose to make yours a happy one.

by Carrie Ruppert | 2/1/2016