“Use your smile to change the world,
don’t let the world change your smile.”
-Unknown
I’m going to be so upfront with you. I haven’t been my very happy self the last few weeks. The move from VA to FL right before Thanksgiving was really rough. Between leaving friends and family behind, to heading toward the unseasonably warm (to me!) weather I just haven’t been able to smile as much as normal.
Then yesterday I realized I need to practice what I preach….
I’m always encouraging other women to change their attitude and focus on the positive in any situation. I laid out three steps to remind myself of the good in my current circumstance! I’m a HUGE fan of lists and notes, so I wrote this list in my little notepad I carry everywhere as an action plan to repeat when I’m feeling down.
1: Remove yourself.
The first thing I need to do when I’m feeling down or overwhelmed is to remove myself from the situation. I need to step back and focus on why I feel the way I do to figure out a solution, rather than drowning myself in work or something that will only on exaggerate the way I feel. I was focused on thinking the issue was stress from moving when it was really just I felt like I didn’t belong anywhere. PRAY.
2: Talk.
Once I discover the stem of what’s wrong, I will seek out a trusted friend to confide in and open up my heart to. Having someone as a sounding board can be such a help! I do go to therapy once a week as well- opening up and talking has made such a difference with my anxiety and depression. Closing off doesn’t help anything! I’m so thankful for support system that keeps me sane! PRAY.
3: Do something for you.
Sometimes you really just need a moment to do something you enjoy. I might not be happy about the warm fall weather in FL but I do LOVE the beach- taking a walk on the beach is a way to embrace the change in a positive way! PRAY.
What do you do when you are feeling down? I would love to hear how you handle big life changes!
SHOP THE POST:
I love that pulled those long socks under the boots, great layering! x ~Zia
http://www.thehuntercollector.com
Author
Thanks so much gorgeous! Have a great week. Hugs, Kait
Love this outfit and this post! Those three steps always help me so much, too!
Emily
http://darlingdearestblog.com
Author
Thank you gorgeous! They really makes such a difference. Hugs, Kait
I love that quote and this cozy look! So cute. xo
Sincerely,
W
trustyourcloset.com
Author
Thank you love! Hugs, Kait
I love the fact that you’ve opened up with us about how you’ve been feeling. I remember reading in one of your former posts that you’d be making the move and how you’re an army wife, which I hadn’t known before. My hubby’s niece is also one and has been having her ups and downs with it, too, since she moved from NY to Cali and has no family out there either. The reason I love that you’ve opened up is that you’re right, you always encourage us and I feel it’s only fair for us to encourage you also. You’re human just like us and need some love and support, too! I think your list is practical and a great way to help boost your mood, you’ve actually inspired me, too. I often overwork myself when feeling down as a way of distraction, but like you’ve said, it can actually make things worse by getting more stressed. Just know that this move isn’t forever and time these days are going by SO fast and you’ll be able to spend time with your friends and family sooner than it may seem. Thanks so much for sharing, beautiful, and I hope you have the absolute best week ahead!
XO,
Jalisa
http://www.thestylecontour.com
Author
You are so amazing love! Thank you for sharing your niece’s story! The military life can be really hard, but finding blogging has been amazing- I feel like I have friends I can connect with no matter where I go. Thank you for all your encouragement love and I hope your week has been wonderful so far! Hugs, Kait
Ah Kait. These are such great tips on staying upbeat and positive when you’re feeling the totally opposite. I adore how you styled this outfit. I love the purse.
xo, Christina
http://www.christinabeex3.com/
Author
Thank you babe! Hugs, Kait
When I am sad I pray and talk to God as that helps me to accept things and see through the sad moment.I love your OTK Boots. Gorgeous.x
http://www.stephylately.com
Author
Praying is really the best thing to do! Hugs, Kait
I love this sweater and location! Simply stunning. I can feel overwhelmed easily, so these are such great tips!!
Author
It’s so easy to feel like that in life- we juggle so much! I hope you’re having a great week gorgeous. Hugs, Kait
That sweater is amazing! Love the color!!
X merel
http://www.andathousanwords.com
You look so cozy and chic, babe! Love the sweater paired with the OTK boots so much!
xoxo, Vanessa
http://www.WhatWouldVWear.com
Author
Thank you love! Aren’t otk boots the absolute best part of the cold?! I love them! Hugs, Kait
You look so pretty! Love your outfit!
http://chicglamstyle.com
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Thank you beauty!Hugs, Kait
These are great tips when feeling down Kait! I like that you tried your best to handle everything. You look so gorgeous in that sweater btw. Love it color too! xx
http://www.prettyweirdbombshell.com/shein-christmas-wishlist-20/
Author
Thank you for the support and encouragement! Blush is so good this season. Hugs, Kait
Pretty amazing. Love this entire cuteness. You look fantastic!
Thanks for sharing!
Much love, Len
http://www.lenparent.com
Author
Thank you for stopping by! Hugs, Kait
I’m really loving this look!! You look so fab!
http://www.maggiealamode.com
Author
Thank you Maggie! Hugs, Kait
You are so gorgeous my friend!! Love that bag with this oversized sweater. Thanks for sharing these Tips.. I do have to remind myself to walk out very similar steps.
xoxo,
Angelle
http://www.dashingdarlin.com
Author
It’s so important! Btw I always find your page soooo inspiring. Hugs, Kait
Babe! You can always text/talk to me! I’m sorry you’ve been feeling this way. Praying does help me also. I talk to my mom, I write in my journal. I love this sweater and bag on you though. Remember I’m always here for ya!! Xo
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You are so sweet Nicole!!! Thank you so much for being such a wonderful friend. I really need to start journaling more! It’s such a great stress relief. Love you babe! Hugs, Kait