Be Happy.

Lets be honest here...it's tough to master being happy every second of the day. It's impossible infact. No one can do it. Social media is simply a highlight reel, and in NO way anything more than what we want others to see.
The beautiful thing is that it's a choice we get to make each day (I wrote a previous blog on choice) so I say choose to be happy.
Now y'all, I'm aware that even my exuberant positivity gets on people's nerves at times. It's ok, I completely understand and I will let you in on a little secret...it's hard to always choose happy. Some days I'd rather just not care about ANYTHING, and hide away too, but I don't. Here's how I cope. I take what's ailing me and I put a positive spin on it. Yep. That's it. I choose NOT to let the weight of insecurities hold me down. Because believe me I have them. We all do.

I'm too fat. I'm too plain. My hair/makeup/style isn't pretty enough. I should be doing more. Why am I always so busy. My success is mediocre compared to her. Doubt and inadequacy all the time. What is my purpose. What do I really want. Sound familiar? Trust me I could go on.

SOOO...here's my hack. If it's a person, I complement. If it's my business, I award my team. If it's my body, I forgive myself and drink a green smoothie. If it's my heart, I encourage myself. Practice good habits and your bad ones will slowly become less and less.
You see crazy thing is...when you see my positive posts or blogs...I would love to tell you it's all for YOU, but it's just not true. Absolutely, I am honored that you read, follow, and at times are moved by my words...but it's for ME. I project positivity for my heart and soul. Now it is very much part of me to listen and love on others, but I "stay so positive" for me. Because just like anything else...happiness isn't a destination. It's a journey and you create habits on your journey. I choose to have 80% of those choices good. I forgive myself often for the rest. Give yourself grace. You deserve it more than anyone. Often we are WAY to hard on ourselves. Especially women. Just stop. Stop it right now.

There's no simple answer to complete happiness, but I'm certain it starts with being kinder to YOU. Understand that you are so very special and I believe you were put here for a purpose. Find it, nurture it, and live happy.

Ideas of habits to start: (Only suggestions. These have all changed my journey)
-Smile at strangers more
-Give leftovers from a restaurant to a homeless person
-Check in on great friends or family once a week
-Send more handwritten cards by snail mail
-Compliment strangers
-Donate that extra dollar at the grocery or pet store
-Be vulnerable with your girlfriends, the true ones will lift you up
-Exercise and eat healthy more often
-Listen more

I'd love to hear your suggestions too!

Thanks for reading and I hope you have a fabulous, HAPPIER week!!

-xOxO
Hollie