The Struggle is Real...Choose Peace.

Do you ever feel like you are drowning in a sea of "to do lists"? Does adulting seem like the enemy at times? Are you swimming in a perverbial pool of negativity? Yeah. You are not alone.
Listen, we all struggle with A LOT more than we are willing to admit. Social is meant to be a highlight reel. So enjoy it and other possible joy stealers in this light. Haters will hate and not everyone is meant to be friends (I still don't like that last one). Life is tough. It's important to note that...life doesn't grow to be that way either...it's always been tough. So how do we deal??

Choose peace. Choose to stamp out ALL negativity in your personal space.

Yep, it sounds cliche and annoying (especially in the midst of struggle) but it's what I know to be true.
We live in a world of negativity. Anyone can turn something great into an argument and break someone's spirit. (Just scroll through any inspirational viral post on FB and you'll find the trolls, they're everywhere in real life too...sometimes disguised as a familiar face) SO...it's simple don't be a troll. You'll know if you are partaking in this behavior if you spark outrage with your words.
**Now, let me be clear, advocating for good is the life blood of humanity. Healthy respectful conversations or disagreements can take place and NOT everyone should agree, BUT if you can't have a peaceful conversation about it, then don't talk...or wait until you can do it peacefully.
Contrary to popular belief most of us aren't trolls anyway, so don't feed them. Be the one that says NOPE I won't take part in this. Now you don't have to go waving your white flag and standing down on things you believe in, but you can choose to walk away. Even if it hurts.
I've spent the last few years cleaning up my messes and removing negativity in all areas of my life. But I still wing it. I fail time and time again, but I've found it makes me stronger.
I'll be transparent...it's been one of the toughest things I've ever done. Why? Because it's easy to play along. It's easy to not walk away from something that you've convinced yourself is common place and comfortable. Do it anyway. Don't be guilty by association. Just because you "don't" say anything in the midst of negativity doesn't mean you aren't absorbing it. Then later you empty it on undeserving people. See how this becomes a vicious cycle?

Hear me when I say...no one, and I mean NO ONE has the right to steal your joy. But here's the tricky part. YOU hold the key. You grant permission to allow whatever you want in "your personal space". We must take full responsibility and make better choices. I used to do a lot of blame storming. Yep. I would find myself upset and immediately think of who I "needed" to blame. Looking for a way to purge the hurt. Was it my Dad? My Mom? The person who said what upset me? None of the above. It was me and continues to be me.
You see, we control little to nothing in this world. Just fact. But that doesn't mean you just get to move forward without consequences. We have a responsibility to do good. Even if that good only means small acts in our own heart. Not everyone has a big burning fire inside to change the world, but imagine what your life would look like if you removed the negativity through choice? What if you started taking ownership of your happiness and stop expecting to "arrive" at happinessland one day?

I'll guarantee you if you remove the negativity your life will change. Your heart will change. What's next is just as important, don't let it back in. You'll continue to face trolls everyday, but if you arm yourself with peace...you break the cycle. My belief is that trolls are good people that are consumed with negativity. It's not your job to fix them...but you can set the standard and be a positive example. Now, imagine your life if you inspired others to be positive? It's easy. Choose peace. You don't have to be on a big path to change the world to take part. So let's bridge the gap. One heart at a time. Starting with yours.

P.S. I believe your heart is beautiful and I encourage you to share it with others. Only you can be authentically you. So, don't be selfish. Share your gifts. The world needs more YOU.

xOxO
Hol