I like to think that on a normal day-to-day basis, I’m pretty easy to please and that I am almost always very much in love with my current “life” situation. But as of late I have been struggling with feeling satisfied. It was as if a month ago a switch in the universe went off (or on?) and I started to have negative thoughts about my job, my skin, my apartment and everything in it, my relationships, my finances, etc. This feeling growing feeling of unsatisfaction was practically impossible to over-look – it was completely consuming all of my thoughts up until as recently as yesterday…
Anyone who has known me longer than 72 hours probably knows that I am a big believer in the concepts of The Secret – that the key to living the life of your dreams is deep rooted in positive thoughts and visualizing the outcomes that you most desire. No, I don’t visualize myself winning the lottery. But I would be lying if I didn’t say that visualizing and positive thinking is what helped me find and land my current job and last job. I can notice a definite change in myself when I am full of positivity… It’s like a balloon that has just been filled and I’m happy without realizing it. This way of living is definitely not everyone’s cup of tea, but I have been trying to actively practice ever since reading the book almost four years ago.
You would think that practicing positivity on a regular basis would have prevented me from feeling so glum about almost everything that’s a part of my twenty something life… I can’t exactly pin-point what the turning point was but I do think that one negative thought can lead to hundreds that feed off each other and grow and grow. When you put bad energy into the universe it gives it right back to you (hence why I typically try to be Positive Patty all the time).
It could have made sense to dub all my thoughts of unsatisfaction as a tiny “quarter-life crisis” since I turn twenty-five next month. But it would have been too easy to blame my age. Of all people, I get most irritated when my actions and attitude gets called out as a product of my years. Especially when most of us can point to those older than us for setting an example of unsatisfaction… You know the people (older, younger, peers, whomever!) that never seem happy unless they are complaining, or comparing, or wanting more-more-more, or making it all about me-me-me? Let’s not be like them, okay? That look doesn’t show well on anyone…
I’m making today my last day to feel negative. Honestly, this whole post today was going to be only long complaint about how unsatisfied I am with my apartment (seriously? of all the things… shame on me) but a wonderful meeting with a dear friend and sort-of mentor yesterday made me change my mind when she changed my whole outlook and attitude without even trying. Our short time together reminded me that success is self definied and that sometimes the best we can be is someone that is self aware and though conscious of goals and dreams, takes things one step at a time and remembers to enjoy and relish the present, too. I left her feeling completely satisfied with where I am at – a real 180 from where my mental state was minutes before meeting her. And so I decided that today is my last day to whine, complain, feel sorry or negative for myself or dwell the petty “problems” in my life. Life is just too short to not be positive in the present.
Yes, I do wish things were different when it comes to my job and that I didn’t have wall-to-wall carpeting in my apartment… But timing is everything, baby steps are necessary, and being patient while visualizing the good to come has always worked in my favor before. Positive Patty is back in business.
(Image via Diary of The Coveteur)
I'd be lying if I said I haven't been feeling my normal peppy self as of late as well. Maybe it's something in the air!? I wholeheartedly believe in the secret and totally need a punch of positivity myself. Perhaps I will join you! NO MORE NEGATIVITY!
I'd be lying if I said I haven't been feeling my normal peppy self as of late as well. Maybe it's something in the air!? I wholeheartedly believe in the secret and totally need a punch of positivity myself. Perhaps I will join you! NO MORE NEGATIVITY!
I'd be lying if I said I haven't been feeling my normal peppy self as of late as well. Maybe it's something in the air!? I wholeheartedly believe in the secret and totally need a punch of positivity myself. Perhaps I will join you! NO MORE NEGATIVITY!
I have been feeling the same way lately. I think we all want to have a foreseeable plan for the future and when we are in the unknown it can be uncomfortable. Hang-in there! I'm focusing on taking things day-by-day.
What an encouraging and uplifting post. I have been struggling with similar thoughts of late, and truly appreciate the honesty of heart in this post. A perfect Monday pick-me-up, so thank you so much. Your blog shines much light into so many of your readers' (all of them!) days, even when you feel your light isn't as bright as you wish it was. So thank you for what you put out into the world, each and every day!
Thanks, Molly. I needed to read this today. Cheers to positivity
I have to admit, I've been feeling pretty negative and down about certain things lately, too. This post was exactly the boost I needed to realize that a) I'm not the only one and b) half of being happy is completely about your attitude. I'm definitely going to make an effort to see things in a more positive light from now on, and maybe pick up The Secret. It sounds like an amazing read!
-Alyssa
The Glossy Life
i love this! i have also realized lately how different i feel if i just reframe my perspective on the things that bug me (yes your apt has carpet, but it's also close to your friends & family, affordable and allows you to travel, close to work so you have time to blog vs. commute, etc)…. being positive is always a good thing and generally does make everything seem better!
Glad to hear you are back on track! Keep your chin up~good things are sure to come your way~Angie
Positivity is a valuable life tool. If this 30-something could tell my 20-something self one thing? Learn to live in the moment sooner. Dissatisfaction is natural, own your feelings and be gentler on yourself. (I learned this through living with chronic pain.) There is courage facing the darker emotions and insight to be gained walking through to the other side.
There must be something in the Texas air because I've been feeling the same way! Everything always gets better!
-C
mossypants.com
TOTALLY agree. I frequently catch myself complaining & need to learn that it gets you nowhere. When I start the day full of positive thoughts and vibes I almost always have a fabulous day. I also believe that it affects everyone around you. Give out positive and you will get positive in return! -Drew from catfishandcaviar
Ah, yes…I am guilty of this. But I feel really good today, and that's what I need to focus on! The weather is gloomy enough without me adding to it! Sometimes it is as simple as someone asking me how I am. That's when I can evaluate my life…I can honestly tell them I'm great =)
Way to go on giving yourself an ultimatum on wallowing. If you were never unhappy you wouldn't appreciate when you are so effortlessly happy. Enjoy your carefree 20s–you will look back on them with much nostalgia later in life. When I am unhappy , it helps me to reflect on my very fortunate life and think of those less fortunate. You are doing wonderfully and are are a huge success! A million other bloggers would die for the opportunities
you have created for yourself. Be kind to yourself, do something that makes you feel good, give yourself something to look toward to and you will start to feel better. You will get through this rough patch!
Such a great message! I'll be downloading The Secret to my Nook tonight. Can't believe I've never read it! xx
Molly, thank you so much for sharing your insights and your love for the wisdom that was shared through The Secret. I too, really enjoyed the book and as I looked further into it I discovered authors Esther & Jerry Hicks. So great and profound (yet simple, which is key!) They have penned several books but one that is helping me stay in tune to that positive place is "The Vortex…" and I highly recommend it. Have a great week filled with happy thoughts!
I definitely find myself comparing myself to others & then wallowing that aspects of my life aren't like theirs. It's good to focus on the positive & I'm trying to do better at actively working to improve the things I don't like & appreciating all the good in my life!
Great post to remind us all!
Just came across your blog today…I am so glad I did. I have been feeling the same way lately. Recently, I had a conversation with my friend about how I was struggling to maintain positive and that I was feeling a bit lost in life. Being able to read others similar situations helps me see I am not alone!! You just gained another reader
Amazing post! There is always something to be thankful for, we just have to remember that:) Thank you for posting this, it makes it so much easier to know I'm not in this journey alone!