Jemma's Tales
Ten Tips For Staying Positive
September 10, 2015
Staying positive can often times be as challenging as searching for Rainbows, especially when there hasn't been any rain.
Just try and remember this quote-it sums it all up pretty well.
"You'll never find A Rainbow if you are looking down."
~Charlie Chaplin.
Well, when life throws us curve balls, and it always does-trust me I know this.
Having an arsenal of tools, helps to navigate those treacherous seas.
Way back when, in my youth, I found that I could stay positive by hiding my head in the sand.
Just try and remember this quote-it sums it all up pretty well.
"You'll never find A Rainbow if you are looking down."
~Charlie Chaplin.
Well, when life throws us curve balls, and it always does-trust me I know this.
Having an arsenal of tools, helps to navigate those treacherous seas.
Way back when, in my youth, I found that I could stay positive by hiding my head in the sand.
My family and I were masters at this technique, we skirted around the difficult stuff, and when it got too difficult we ducked and hid.
Really confronting so much of the tough stuff was just too painful.
My Dad suffered with rheumatoid arthritis all of his hard working life, and my sister, Sandra, coped with epilepsy.
I actually think we did very well handling the medical issues that were presented to us.
We all stayed relatively positive, laughed,and enjoyed life, but naturally in the back of our minds was the tough stuff.
It was when the tough stuff got too big to handle we went to our tried, and true method of surviving and you know what that was.
I have prayed, and buried my head in the sand much of the time throughout my life.
I have laughed when I felt like sobbing, smiled when I felt like cracking, and stumbled along
through the loss of my sister, parents, divorce and cancer.
But I have also acquired some tools for my tool belt of life, that helped me along the way.
Wishing you, my friends a positive Thursday!
xoxox
Really confronting so much of the tough stuff was just too painful.
My Dad suffered with rheumatoid arthritis all of his hard working life, and my sister, Sandra, coped with epilepsy.
I actually think we did very well handling the medical issues that were presented to us.
We all stayed relatively positive, laughed,and enjoyed life, but naturally in the back of our minds was the tough stuff.
It was when the tough stuff got too big to handle we went to our tried, and true method of surviving and you know what that was.
I have prayed, and buried my head in the sand much of the time throughout my life.
I have laughed when I felt like sobbing, smiled when I felt like cracking, and stumbled along
through the loss of my sister, parents, divorce and cancer.
But I have also acquired some tools for my tool belt of life, that helped me along the way.
Ten Tips For Staying Positive
- Don't deny what makes you uncomfortable-accept it and find solutions.
- Confront the voice within you and stop replaying painful events.
- Don't let the past steal your present.
- Drop the negativity and challenge those negative thoughts.
- (View them as a training session that is going to empower you.)
- Remember we always have a choice.
- Repeat positive affirmations throughout the day.
- Smile-really as simple as that sounds, it truly helps.
- Make home a positive retreat.
- Prayer, it always helps me.
- Please remember this- Even though social media makes everything appear Perfect.
- It is Not. Life is not perfect for any of us.
Wishing you, my friends a positive Thursday!
xoxox
Hi Jemma...lovely post here. I've never hidden my head in the sand or ducked or hid from the tough stuff. I was the one in my family to always face things head on. I always tried to prepare the rest of the family for those things and worse. I was 16 when my father collapsed in our kitchen from a massive coronary at only age 43. I'd just finished a first aid class, which included help for someone who collapses...or isn't breathing. I helped my father, while trying to shake my mother into calling for the rescue squad. I held it all together for my mother and 2 sisters when they said my dad probably wouldn't make it. He did and lived another 29 years. There was cancer that claimed the life of my sister at 47. Failed marriages. Lost jobs. There was never anyone there to help me through crises though and that caused me to overeat...consequently being overweight. I learned how to cope with sadness in that way. Now...since my husband moved out in April (a huge surprise), I've faced alot of things BY MYSELF again and have begun to learn to ways to cope. I've lost 55# in 5 1/2 months...been working out...getting involved in life again and loving it.
ReplyDeleteGod has blessed me with a positive attitude...and I'm using it. I've been praying and singing and worshipping the Lord with all my heart. And having 3 little PuppyKids to care for...helps too!
Hugs,
Jan ♥
Jan,
DeleteThank you for sharing where your receive your strength and how you channel that strength into a positive outlook on life. You are one of those people who take lemons and make lemonade! Love your energy, vibrance and good attitude! Also, congrats on your weight loss, so happy for you:)
Hugs,
Jemma
These are wonderful tools to have, Jemma. Being "mindful" of every second & each breath we take sounds simple enough, but it isn't. It's difficult to let the past go (it's over and cannot be changed) and accept that we do not control the future.
ReplyDeleteI've been thinking of you, Jemma, ever since you shared about the boating accident. How are your son and his friend doing? I hope and pray for complete recoveries for these young men.
Carol,
DeleteYou are setting such a positive example for so many of us. Here you are going through chemo and offering your prayers and friendship. My heart is really touched by your friendship and I appreciate your thoughtfulness so very much. The young man is in surgery now and my son is being seen by another Doctor.
Thank you.
Touching post Jemma. We are all human, so sometimes some people choose not to confront issues head-on. I believe crying is good therapy, if one feels the need to. It does help when we are stressed or worried to not keep emotions in. I am sending positive healing thoughts and prayers for this young man. xo
ReplyDeleteLinda,
DeleteOh such thoughtful and caring words for me today, they are a balm to my soul. Thank you so much.
xo
Jemma
Thank you, Jemma for such a beautiful post. You are right about social media - it makes everyone look like they have such a perfect life. Easy to hide behind all the pretty stuff, isn't it? But like they say, you never know what goes on behind closed doors. We all have battles that we have faced - and are facing. Life isn't easy! The things you posted do indeed help - as does the support of family and good friends. I've been praying for your son and his friend. And for you, too - I know how a mama's heart breaks when something is going on with her child. {{hugs}}
ReplyDeleteMelanie,
DeleteSocial media, as much as I enjoy it myself, has skewed everything. I think as intelligent adults we need to sift through what we see and read and take a good percentage of it with a grain of salt!
I am thankful for positive friendships like yours, your thoughtful and caring message makes a difference in my days. Thank you for your prayers of concern.
Dear Jemma,
ReplyDeletethanks for the good tips and for the beautiful flowers pictures.
I wish you a nice day. Much love and hugs ... Dorothea :-)
Dorothea,
DeleteThank you for your visit! Always my pleasure to hear from you!
Much Love to You and Hugs!
Jemma
Did the Universe tell you, that I needed a burst of "Stay Positive-ness" today????? :-))))))))
ReplyDelete'Cause my grumpiness, has probably sent shock waves out into the poor Universe.
But calm is returning.
I really do need to vent, at times. Say what I feel. Even though and probably because, it isn't the proper thing to do.
But the 'Blast' clears the (my) air, and things simmer back down. :-)
Lots of gentle hugs,
Tessa
Tessa!
DeleteWell maybe the Universe did speak to me, as this post flowed straight from heart and with ease!
Sometimes, things have to be said, it is good for those around us to know our true feelings. I am sure that you vent in a productive and positive fashion:)
Many gentle hugs back to you,
Jemma
Jemma,
ReplyDeleteYou are so right.....life does throw us the occasional curve ball. I can always use advice for coping mecanisms....I tend to smile a lot too when I feel otherwise. I do try to stay positive even during difficult times. Thanks for these tips Jemma. We can all use a gentle reminder now and then cuz life just isn't perfect. Sending prayers,
Linda
Linda,
DeleteI have been caught off guard so many times, but with my tool belt on and my new skill set for coping with the unexpected changes in life I feel as though I am some what better equipped. Not to say that I won't at times revert back to my stick my head in the sand approach, but I am becoming wiser. Thank you for your prayers for my son, our family and the young man who was in the boating accident as well.
Jemma
Jemma, thank you so much for these reminders! When life is throwing one thing after another at us, it is difficult to keep a positive attitude! Sometimes we just need a little attitude adjustment and to keep thins in perspective...most things do have a solution that is doable if we step back and take a look at the big picture! Hugs sweet friend! :-)
ReplyDeleteBenita,
DeleteThank you for sharing your thoughts today, I know how busy you are with the move and now unpacking. You too have just been through a scenario that was far from perfect. But with your wit, positive attitude and good will, you came through it all!
Hugs to you sweetie,
Jemma
Such beautiful thoughts Jemma. I must admit I tend to be a burying my head in the sand type person as well…I detest confrontation. Unfortunately it is disheartening at times…I am working on it though!
ReplyDeleteMonica,
DeleteI have always wanted everyone to just get along. I have struggled with abrasive people and their concepts on how to handle life situations. Just like you , I am working through life's bends and turns.
You have such a God-given gift for words and a heart to match it. Thank you for your wisdom for we all need gentle reminders that attitude is a choice. Life will always throw us curveballs but it is in those painful times that God sits us on His lap and comforts us with His eternal promises. I will continue to keep Charles, his friend, the families and you in my prayers...for a mom is only as happy as their saddest child. Much love.
ReplyDeleteDonna,
DeleteThis is a treat to hear from you! Your words are very kind and I appreciate your gentleness. I know that you too have had your share of heartaches and that God is ultimately where we find true comfort and peace. Thank you for praying for Charles and his friend.
Good things to remember. It's so easy to be absorbed in worry and fear. I think #3 is one that bogs so many of us down. You can't move forward if your always looking in the rear view mirror!
ReplyDeleteHugs to you, XX, Liz
Liz,
DeleteThat is true my friend, we can never ever move forward if we are always thinking what if's.
xx
Jemma
Off to e-mail you, my sweet friend. : )
ReplyDelete~Sheri
You will probably never know how many lives you touch in and every day with your words of wisdom and thankful attitude. I think sometimes that people who have gone through the most have the most compassion toward others. God has used your experiences to shape you into a woman after His heart.
ReplyDeleteNancy,
DeleteThank you for sharing these very thoughtful, kind and uplifting words with me today. I feel the same way about your photography, you inspire me with your God given talent of capturing the beauty that surrounds you.
Wonderful tips. Staying positive is, I think, a key to a healthy life.
ReplyDeleteRemain as positive as we can through the adversities of life.
DeleteMy favorite - Repeat positive affirmations throughout the day. What a wonderful uplifting post and photos.
ReplyDeleteDear friend,
DeleteAlways nice to see you here. I know that through your health concerns you remained faithful to thinking positive.
This is a positively perfect post!! Very encouraging!
ReplyDeletePositive, positive, positive!
DeleteYou are always a fount of wisdom. Truly.
ReplyDeleteBrenda
I appreciate this.
DeleteThat's a great list, Jemma. Life is a series of up and down moments. The deep disappointing times can be crushing if we let them but, like you pointed out, we have to look up. Susan
ReplyDeleteSusan,
DeleteWe do, don't we. Always live with a thankful heart and to the promises of a better day tomorrow.
You share the joy of life so eloquently on your blog.
Jemma....I sure needed this today. It was like one of those huge "Down on Jane" days. I really do keep my head in the sand and then I tend to explode, including over what seems to be very small things! It just builds up. I need to copy these tips and pin it to my bathroom mirror!
ReplyDeleteJane x
Dearest Jane,
DeleteWe all have those days, don't we? Where we hold it all in. I must say that I do that less and less as I become older. I have more genuine conversations with my family and they with me. It is a skill set that is acquired over time. Sharing our feelings and being careful to think before we speak always is the road to take.
Dearest Jemma, life does have it's twists and turns and all apart of life. Some days are harder then others to stay positive. I have learned from the examples of my sweet mother and dad how to rise above the sorrows of this world and look up. Life's not perfect for anyone, but God's love for us is, and sometimes, that's all we need to keep on going with HIS direction. Thank you for sharing your list of positive tips. The rains come for awhile, but how beautiful to appreciate the sunshine after the storms.
ReplyDeleteWishing you a beautiful weekend. Hugs and Blessings sweet friend. cm
Oh dear friend,
DeleteJust beautiful words of wisdom and such wise lessons to learn from those who love you the most and want only the best for you. Sometimes we just have to look way down the road of life and know that the next bend will offer us the peace we are searching for. Thank you for sharing these tender words today.
Good morning dearest Jemma! This was what I needed to hear. Thank you precious and WISE friend. Must run, but so much appreciate every word here. I think I am literally going to copy and paste these bullet points, print them out and take them with me in my bag and pull this out during my quick lunch break. Much love to you dear and great friend! Anita
ReplyDeleteAnita,
DeleteI hope your week was a good one, I can just imagine the strain of transitioning back into the school year. In no time at all though you will have a routine that works for you and your students. You are such a gifted artist and your talent shines through all of your photography and poetry.
Hi Jemma, I really enjoyed this post. Numbers 2 and 3 really spoke to me as I dwell on things and realize how important it is to speak to our negative inner voice. Thank! you! The first response from Jan was inspiring as well and I think she's awesome. Have a nice weekend! Joan - My Cookie Clinic
ReplyDeleteJoan,
DeleteSpeaking our voice, is so cathartic and I have also come to realize that my family and friends are not mind readers! Just because I think it, doesn't mean they hear it. Communication is so vital, isn't it? Also, I have had so much trouble of letting go of the past-I struggle with it daily, but I am making progress!
You so have your act together Jemma. I hope you know that. You're an inspiration to so many, including me.
ReplyDeleteI have to go and finally get some rooms together for the tour!
Peace and love to you,
xxx
Doreen,
DeleteThank you, but I am a real work in progress and it isn't an easy task! Keeping my attitude, outlook and self in check is a full time job, but in the end it is worth it.
Can't wait to see your home on the blog tour!
xx
Jemma
We seem to have been on the same wave length today, Jemma. xo Laura
ReplyDeleteLaura,
DeleteI saw that too! It must be our age:)
xxo
Jemma
I love this post! I always smile a lot...always have! And I pray. Also I think it is so important to make our homes comfortable and beautiful...a joy to spend time in. I've had to really work on number 1 lately! We all have to face our fears. Enjoy your day sweet friend. Hugs, Diane
ReplyDeleteDearest Diane,
DeleteI see your smile now and I read your posts-your heart and spirit are filled with joy! You are such an inspiration to me!
Hugs,
Jemma
I love your site and look forward to seeing it each day even if you haven't been able to post each day. Most certainly we all do have those hard times, which is a good thing to remember. We may smile, and should, but, we also need to be able to let it out as it is there. I have a hard time putting on a face, and when I feel like that then I just don't go into public. There are those times, however, that I do go out, like to an antiques store and it brightens my soul. It just all depends. You have some great and honest comments, as well as, some beautiful pics for things of inspiration. Blessings to you. . . . Mary
ReplyDelete