Life: Staying Positive

I've had more downs than ups during the last couple of months, and staying positive has been quite a challenge. I've been suffering with a hip injury since the beginning of September, which has steadily worsened, resulting in being signed off work and missing out on fun days with friends. I've been having various tests and scans and seen quite a few doctors now, but nothing's given me any answers.
Understandably this has left me feeling down and negative, just as a was getting somewhere with my life I've been knocked back. I'd started driving lessons, was starting to feel fit and healthy after a tough time getting over coeliac symptoms, and was enjoying learning more and more about yoga and fitness but that's all been put on hold.

 I have a history of depression & anxiety, it wasn't until I discovered yoga and the power of a healthy diet that I started to feel more in control, more confident and happier within myself. Yoga and exercise is the way I deal with this part of me, it helps me stay balanced, so not being able to be active has put me to the test. I started off feeling lost, very alone, scared and extremely down but I'm starting to practise other methods which are helping me stay grounded, keep in control of how I'm feeling and stop me going out of my mind!



1. Accept the problem and find positives. Instead of dwelling on the negatives and focusing on what I'm not currently able to do I'm trying to count all the positive aspects. I have more time for this blog which I enjoy writing and running so much, I don't have to get up at 5am for work (big bonus), I can spend some more time with my family, etc. Yes, there negatives and I'd rather feel well but getting upset about that isn't going to help me.

2. Meditation. I've practised meditation for a little while now, mostly at night if I'm finding it hard to switch off and need something to help me relax, but over the last month I've started meditating more often. I find it's a great way to give my mind time to stop going into over-drive, and it calms me down when I might be feeling overwhelmed or panicky. I use an app called Take 10, I'd highly recommend it.

3. Having a positive support group. I'm extremely lucky that I have the most supportive and loving family who are there to help me and keep me feeling as happy as possible, as well as a couple of close friends who have been there when I really needed a pick-me-up. A few words of love, support and encouragement go a long way and having someone remind you this isn't permanent is a blessing.

4. Reading. I don't know about you, but I love to escape my own life sometimes and enter the life of a fictional character. Reading a book is a great way to stop you overthinking with the 'what ifs' and the  negative thoughts. I love a good chick-lit read that can make me laugh and 'aww' at the same time.

5. Positive quotes. It's so simple, but I created a 'quotes' board on Pinterest and started searching for inspirational, empowering and positive quotes to pin. It really made me see things in a new light so whenever I start to feel a bit negative I can go to that board, look through the quotes and instantly get a whole load of positivity.

6. Find a solution and think to the future. Having an action plan is a great idea if you're feeling negative or at a loss with what to do, because instead of focusing on the now when things may be a bit bleak you can think to the future and know it won't be like this forever. It's a little hard to do this for me, because I don't know what's wrong with my hip yet but I've been researching different conditions to try and diagnose myself and I've booked myself in to see an Osteopath. I've also been planning days out that I'll have when I'm better, thinking about a new job that'll fulfil me and writing down blog ideas!

We all go through dark times, face challenges and get tested but it's the way we handle them that defines who we are; we have the ability to grow stronger, to move forward with more light and to learn from everything we've been through. We're all lucky and blessed in our own ways, so we should all take a minute to realise that and remember nothing is permanent.