{"id":116,"date":"2020-04-06T23:24:00","date_gmt":"2020-04-06T23:24:00","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/edblogs.pugetsound.edu\/the-public\/?page_id=116"},"modified":"2020-04-27T00:23:41","modified_gmt":"2020-04-27T00:23:41","slug":"persistently-positive","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/edblogs.pugetsound.edu\/the-public\/?page_id=116","title":{"rendered":"Persistently +"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Recently, I have been working on being persistently positive. What does this mean, you may ask? Persistently positive is a phrase I like to use to describe a consistent effort by an individual to seek out the good that each day, each moment has to offer. Some days are harder than others, and finding joy may seem unrealistic or even downright impossible. It is in these moments that I need to keep trekking. I need to encourage myself to go outside and go on a walk and smell the flowers and feel the sun on my face, or to do another activity that centers me and brings me back to myself. Starting out is hard every time, but I always am glad that I pushed myself to go on that walk or call a friend or make some beautiful art. Some days joy doesn\u2019t come to me, but instead I need to seek it out. I have devised a handy toolbox of tips and tricks to set myself on the path to experiencing peace, joy, and contentment.  Some days happiness and positivity feel out of reach, but I believe it is important to still try. This column is a compilation of some coping mechanisms I find most helpful, they help me out of my own head and help me to connect with myself, my body, nature, and my loved ones. I hope that you are able to gain something from my column that brings joy to you. Keep doing the best you can, and be proud of yourself for what you are able to do. You are an absolute star, now and always. <3<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Week 3: What do I do with myself?<\/strong>
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This is a question I have been asking myself quite a bit lately. Without places to go, people to see, and things to do I have been feeling aimless and I have been missing a purpose, a drive that gets me out of bed and propels me through my day. It feels as if this current state of existence could last forever, and that is not a particularly comforting thought. With so many parts of life out of control I have been working on finding peace in the simple things that I can control. Below is a list of several things that I personally find help me relax in the midst of all the chaos. I hope they serve you, and I hope you are able to find your own kind of peace. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

1. Be proud of yourself! <\/strong>
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Take some time to think of how far you have come, of everything you have accomplished. Make a list of reasons you are proud of yourself. Even though things may be pretty stagnant right now, you\u2019re still amazing and deserve to be recognized for that.
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2. Feeling Overwhelmed? \ufeff<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

The following is one of my favorite techniques to ground myself. Take deep breaths, and as you do so think of 5 things you can see, 4 things you can touch, 3 things you can hear, two things you can smell, and one thing you can taste. This helps you to stay centered in your body and your surroundings.
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