Monday 20 February 2017

The power of positivity





















The last few weeks I've not felt too positive. I was going to ignore it as thought it might make for a boring post, but then I thought no. Lots of people have bad days or crappy times, so instead I thought I'd focus on what helps me.

Be warned there are some cheesy things to help combat negativity, so I try to get these out the way first.

People

































It is about those around you. Surrounding yourself with friends, family and maybe even your partner (if you're not single like me) can make a huge difference to lifting your spirits. You want to be around the people who motivate, inspire and encourage you. I've realised the difference it makes; you will feel negative, when people don't value you, put you down and are generally negative about their own lives.

Self-Care





















If you had told me two or three years ago that I'd recommend self-care I wouldn't believe you. It sounds like a hippy term, but can make a huge difference. For example, I dedicate Sundays to pamper myself. No makeup, doing very little and pampering. I usually paint nails and/or toes, exfoliate my face, put a body scrub on, put on my hair treatment and get in the shower! It's lovely and so relaxing. I think it's important to take time for you because it's so easy to forget these things. It's also important as part of self-care to do things you enjoy like meeting friends, treating yourself to something or generally keeping up your hobbies. When you're stressed you don't often wish to but it makes one hell of a difference!

Exercise





















So many of us say we don't have the time, but now I've put the effort into losing weight (gradually) I firmly believe that is not an excuse. You make time! People you see at gyms, exercise classes or just out running often have full-time jobs,  kids and busy schedules. I believe you just can't be bothered! To be honest, most of the time I can't. However think some people need to see what works for them - fitting in 15 minutes a day to do aerobics can make a difference or even walking instead of using the car! I can not stress the difference walking can make. About a year ago, I made so many excuses not to walk. I never relied on transport but just wouldn't go on walks longer than 10 or 15 minutes. I felt out of breath and blamed it on long-term sinitus, but recently realised it was my weight. I am a 24 year old woman who was less fit than my mum and haven't even had kids! Now I feel so much better. The air on your face makes your skin feel fresher and you can feel it in your legs. Who doesn't want to aim for 10,000 steps a day? Now I dedicate about 30 minutes a day to walking the dogs or walking to and from work. I also try to do yoga at least once a week. It calms and relaxes me as well as helping me with balance and giving exercise benefits.

Diet















If you're like me, you might groan to read that. If you eat chocolate everyday and stuff your face, it might taste amazing and make you happy, but the benefits are short-term. You feel bloated and rubbish for not picking fruit or something healthier instead. I know I do. Why does unhealthy food taste nicer? Well it doesn't always. There is healthy food that is nice. I often stock up on yoghurts to snack on and have a banana in between breakfast and lunch. I also believe it's all about portions. Eat as much as you want or need, and if you're full - stop eating. I've lost weight just doing that! I do think you should never cut out bad foods - just restrict it and only have once craving it.

Be social!

































It's amazing the difference just being around people can make. I was previously living in the Isle of Wight, where I had no friends and did very little. It's hard to be happy with circumstances like that. I'm not sure whether I'd describe myself more of an extrovert or introvert, but I am definitely more sociable despite often being shy on first meeting. This is why I notice the difference of skyping friends (when it doesn't break up) or attending events e.g. going to cinema, attending a party or planning trips away. It really boost my mood!

Now onto two positivity books that I've been filling out that I think you'd love to hear about:

1. The Positivity Kit: Instant Happiness on every page by Lisa Currie
- Bought here at Urban Outfitters, £12.99.

















I bought this when I was at Glasgow last and have filled out a fair few pages. Here are my favourite pages from the book:

















Some I haven't filled, but love ideas behind them. I especially like how it gets you to list achievements big or small above.

















As you can tell it's fun to fill out, and gives you varied activities. I like how it gives you the opportunity to doodle, list positive things and aspire to more.



























I liked the idea of cutting things out however ugly my mascot might be...














2. The 52 lists project: A year of journaling inspiration by Moorea Seal
This is a fab present bought by one of my friends for my birthday.





















It is split into sections of seasons, so thought I'd show you what I've done for winter:






















For winter, it includes 13 lists for you to complete,which include:
- List your goals and dreams for this year
I could list what is included, but it's mostly in new year post.






















- List your favourite characters from books, movies,  etc.
- List the happiest moments of your life so far
- List the soundtrack of your life right now
- List what you would like your life to look like in ten years
- List the ways you love to have fun
More ways to relax...






















- List all the people who brighten up your day
Granted some are animals...






















- List your favourite quotes
- List the things you treasure most
- List the things you should ignore
- List the ways you can rejuvenate your space
- List your best qualities
I asked people, and listed ones. It really boosted my confidence!


















- List the things that always cheer you up

















I'm thinking of including more posts from the 52 lists project as complete spring, summer and autumn. Would you enjoy filling out books like this? What helps keep you positive? I'd love to hear it!









147 comments:

  1. Such a great post. It really is SO important to take care of ourselves in order to live a positive life!

    Xo,

    Megan at Lush to Blush

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    1. Learning how important it is more and more 😊

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  2. This is so true! Improving your diet, doing more excercise and take care of yourself is the best way to become more profound with your life and surroundings! :)

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    1. Definitely keeps you happier and healthier x

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  3. Valuable advice here! One of the things that changed my life towards positivity was The Secret documentary and later on when I tried some light meditation, really helped put things into perspective, understand some things and move over for the better 👌🏻

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    1. Relaxation is great too and form of meditation x

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  4. Self care can really have a role on your positivity. I need to paint my nails more often and have a dedicated pamper day.

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    1. It definitely makes me feel better. Not sure I will always be able to keep it up but fun to do when I can 😊

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  5. I love the sound of the positivity kit. I love books like that. Well done with the diet. I need to do that!

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    1. Diet has slipped up this month so wouldn't congratulate me but sticking to it

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  6. What a great book. Would enjoy filling that in. Wish I had time for some self care

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  7. The positivity book looks so good, when you need a little pick me up you can just use that. I do agree with a lot of your reasons that can help positivity, for me self care and relaxation always helps x

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    1. Works for me too. Sometimes good to look at what is positive when you're struggling

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  8. I always feel better when I take better care of myself. A nice pedicure or a facial works wonders for your mood and makes you feel like a million bucks!

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    1. Definitely! Helps you and stops you feeling run down

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  9. So many great points! A little positivity can go a long way :-)

    xo, Lauren
    www.laurenbessette.com

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  10. Sorry to hear that you have not been feeling too good, that is such a shame. I love the sound of the positivity kit and I hope that it has helped you feel a little better x

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    1. Yeah had a fab month and things haven't been going right. All about thinking on positive though

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  11. Self-care is an important piece. Many of us put ourselves last. I am guilty of doing this and have done it for years. That combined with a high level of stress is not a good combination. It's easy to become overwhelmed, have negative feelings, and/or sink into depression.

    I enjoyed the personal touches you added. The books/journals are wonderful. It looks like they make you think, but they are also fun. If someone is having a rough day, I think looking at the journals to see what has already been written could be helpful

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    1. Oh definitely! Good fun and hopefully lifts your spirits x

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  12. I noticed that when I am social, I take care of my self and spend more time on grooming. I love the idea of positivity kit.

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    1. Being sociable makes me feel so much better, which was surprising. Glad you like sound of it 😊 x

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  13. I have been looking for a gift for my wife and I think she would LOVE this book! I love that you have managed to turn you negative feelings in to positive but like you say - it's good to sometimes have those down days too - it makes you human and the positive days stand out more x

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    1. It's definitely something different and helps with things like mindfulnness

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  14. I want that kit!!! Just seeing it makes me so happy!!!

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  15. Self care is really important. it's something we should all do more often x

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  16. This is an amazing post! I love the sound of the positivity book! I have the 52 lists book too! Although I haven't written in it yet, you've inspired me to get writing!

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    1. Yeah love it and something to look back on 😊

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  17. Thank you so much for the lovely comment on my blog! Loved this post. I struggle with depression and anxiety myself so posts like these are always so helpful, and I really hope your day improved and you started to feel better as well, it's never easy when the blues descend like that. The points and self-care and exercise are definitely important, you need to make time for you in-between everything. Love the book you shared too, I love things like that, they're good fun and great for prompting self-care too and making you smile. Hope you're well! - Tasha

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    1. Aww no problem at all 😊 It can be hard to be positive all the time. Yeah fear I will have a collection of books like that! 😂 x

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  18. Such a great post- being positive definitely helps in times that feel overwhelming with negativity. Love the look of this positivity book, will have to check it out :)

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  19. oh what a wonderful idea i love this x

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  20. This is a great list. I would love to get a dog so I get out more and exercise.

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  21. I often have days when i feel like poop, i then eat loads of bad foods and feel worse lol. Defintatey something in eating better makes you feel better x

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    1. Exactly what I've been doing for like 2 weeks! X

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  22. Hi! I really enjoyed this post and am reminded to look after myself more! You are bang on, it does work and has a knock-on effect. Thx x

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    1. Never used to believe it but all elements make a big difference x

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  23. That book looks amazing! I could definitely do with it.

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    1. Find it is fun and helps me think more positive x

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  24. Love the look of those positivity books. Also nothing better than a bit of exercise to make you feel good x

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    1. Yeah doesn't have to be crazy time at gym x

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  25. What a lovely post. I am all about positivity and I think that surrounding yourself with positive people makes such a difference.

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    1. I think it's important to not waste time being negative so trying to combat it more recently x

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  26. Self care is so important. I hope you're feeling a lot better now.

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    1. One of those where good things all happen at once and vice versa so all about seeing positives x

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  27. Great post self care is important I love the look of the positivity book.

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  28. All great advice.. we all need to know that positivism comes from within first and foremost. We can attract it from others but only when we're in tune first. Rich B

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  29. I love the concept of the 52 Lists Journal! You're so right about diet being a big factor when it comes to moods and positivity.

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    1. Tempting to have comfort food but good to avoid it x

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  30. You have some brilliant tips in this post and I love the book, very nice!

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  31. What a wonderful idea! I've been on a self-care journey for the past few months and I'm defiantly going to add the book to my arsenal!

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    1. If you get it, please let me know what you think. Positive kit book is from urban outfitters and 52 lists is from Oliver bonas x

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  32. Anything that inspires positivity gets a thumbs up from me! I love motivational thinking xxx

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    1. I do think it makes big difference to wellbeing and happiness in general x

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  33. Great tips for positivity. I love the first book - I'll put it on my list to get my sister for her birthday!

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    1. That's nice 😊 Let me know if you get it and if she likes it x

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  34. I agree...Diet & exercise are super important and key to keeping a positive lifestyle :) I love the books, great gift idea too!

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  35. Writing gratitude lists always helps my mummy feel more positive - plus plenty of sleep!!

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    1. How could I forget sleep?! Oh sleep how I love you 😘

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  36. Love the look of that positivity book! It's so important to take some time out to have some fun and a bit of self care to feel a bit better about life!

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  37. It's all too easy to fall into negativity when life gets difficult but you have pointed out some great ways to combat that. Self-care is an excellent way to do so, and is so important in our lives. I think both of the books you have featured are also great ways to bring positivity into your life and they both look very enjoyable to fill out.

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    1. I find them fun so hope others might 😊 It is and think moping is good sometimes as long as it isn't prolonged x

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  38. I need this book today! Feeling down and need something to give me a push. This sounds like a book to pick me up when I'm feeling down.

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    1. I find they do help 😊 Hope you feel better soon!

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  39. I loved this post. I also struggle to be positive in February. Not quite winter, defo not spring yet... It's important to focus on 'the little things' and that journal sounds like the perfect thing to refocus your positive attitude! Love your scrapbook at the top :)

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    1. Never noticed whether depressed at particular times of year but had issue with jobs that made me feel more negative in my thinking. Whereas everything seemed to be looking up x

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  40. Such great advice here. Im always so negative. I think i need to listen to this post and try to be much more positive.

    ----------
    www.kissablekreations.co.uk

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    1. It can be hard. Used to be a natural pessimist but you can change your thinking 😊

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  41. aww I don't think any of it is cheesy- we all have to do the things that keep us positive and happy. Mine are far cheesier! lol

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  42. Looks like a great kit. I think exercise is the key to a happy, healthy mind/body xo

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    1. Yeah i like the book. I am learning that more and more - it's about finding what suits you x

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  43. What a fab post. I really love the look of that 52 project list!

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    1. Glad you enjoyed reading :) Yeah still getting used to it x

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  44. Great post and I love the look of this book! This is definitely something I need to do sometimes as it can be so easy to slip in to feeling glum and forgetting about all the positive things in our life that are all around us! Thanks for sharing xx

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  45. This looks like a great positive book, I need to get this

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  46. What a lovely post. I like the sound of this positivity book. Need to get that.

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    1. So happy to hear that you enjoyed reading! Let me know if you do :)

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  47. I need that book might asked for it for mothers day. I also enjoy a good mini pamper session when om feeling crappy xx

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    1. You totally should :) something helpful at least! It does make a bit of a difference for me x

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  48. I find exercise is always a good thing when I'm feeling a little down x

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    1. Definitely - even though it's something you want to do the least when you feel down x

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  49. I absolutely love the look of that Positivity book - sounds ace and could really do with one of those. Also self care is so important

    LAURA X

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    1. Let me know if you give it a go :) I'm learning more and more about what a difference it can make! x

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  50. even if some of the suggestions are cheesy, it's so true though! that positivity kit looks absolutely amazing

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  51. I really love the sound of both of these books, I will have to look out for them.

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    1. Let me know if get them :) I bought positivity kit from Urban outfitters and the 52 lists book is from Oliver Bonas x

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  52. I'd love to try that positivity kit as well. Such a nice workbook. I'll check if this is available so I can buy too. -Anosa

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    1. Let me know if you get it :) i'd love to hear your thoughts! x

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  53. lovely post.Sometimes we are just so busy to make things perfect for others that we forget about ourselves.

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    1. So true - glad you enjoyed reading too :) x

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  54. great post about positivity! gonna check out this book!

    - Dogvills

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    1. Aww thank you, it means so much when people enjoy reading :) x

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  55. It's normally so grey and miserable in February that it can be hard to be positive. The positivity kit seems like fun.

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    1. It definitely has been. I think it is fun :)

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  56. I love the idea of this book - I am really struggling at the moment and whilst the self care and the seeing people really does help, this sounds like fun too.

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    1. I think they all make a difference and are important. I was going to just include the books but thought it was important to say what can benefit your positivity x

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  57. This is SUCH a lovely book - those pages are beautiful!

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  58. Both of these look great. Self care is so important x

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    1. Agreed - I'm learning more and more just how vital it is x

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  59. I love this! I am working on my self care at the moment xx

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    1. Glad you enjoyed reading:) good it makes such a big difference x

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  60. I'm definitely one of those people where if I'm feeling a little negative eating badly only makes me feel worse! Self care for me goes a long way too and helps me to be more positive! I love the idea of this book!

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    1. It is so tempting to reach for the chocolate, but if you want something sweet - a good fruit salad might be more helpful to your wellbeing. It is fun and does make me feel more optimistic x

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  61. I think that looks like a very interesting book - I've never seen anything like it. Personally I have started to walk the dog after dark with my ipod blearing in my ears as I feel most comfortable then.

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  62. The book looks amazing! What a great way to reinforce positivity.

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    1. I believe it can make such a positive difference :)

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  63. I love all of your tips and thought it was a great post... then I got to the Positivity Kit section. I want one of those books SO badly! They seem great and really fun too x

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    1. You're one of my favourite bloggers so it means a lot that you enjoyed reading :) let me know if you get one of the books x

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  64. Looks like a fantastic book, I will definitely help me to refocus when I'm not feeling very positive.

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    1. I find it can help me smile when it seems so far from my mind x

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  65. Super great post .. anything to be more positive is a win for me. A long bath at the end of the day seems to go a long way toward helping my mood

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    1. Thank you for your kind comment, I'm glad you enjoyed reading! Baths seem to be a popular choice :)

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  66. There are some great idea here - even tiny steps can go a long way to making you feel brighter. I love half an hour on my own with a really good book x

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    1. You're right 😊 Glad you like the tips x

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  67. That books looks amazing! I want it! And I am all for cheesy things to help combat negativity xx

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    1. Anything that helps is good in my opinion :) x

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  68. Love that book and this post! Positivity is so important and easy to forget. x

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    1. Thank you :) i agree it is important! x

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  69. Those books look like so much fun :) I totally agree that being social helps with positivity. Sometimes I feel like cancelling my plans with friends but if I go I always feel so much better.

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    1. Glad you can relate :) social interaction makes a huge difference in my eyes x

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  70. Sounds like a good book I will check it out if this is available so I can buy :)

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  71. I would love both of these books! I always forget to make time for myself but when I do I always feel so much better!

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    1. It does make such a difference and is worthwhile! x

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  72. I think exercise is so important! It makes you feel so much better and can help clear your mind, something a lot of people don't appreciate!

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    1. Yes indeed! It doesn't have to be going to gym and wish this was said more to encourage more to be healthier :) x

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  73. I love the idea of that book, being positive does make you feel so much better, and self care definitely helps.

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    1. It does help and is more important than people often give it credit :)

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  74. oh i loe things like this i really would lilke one

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