Inspired to be Positive...Laura Jean of According to Laura Jean

Friends, today is the last Inspired to be Positive post and it has been penned by the very sweet and lovely Laura Jean of According to Laura Jean! I introduced myself to Laura Jean specifically to ask if she could write this post. Her blog has been a very fun and encouraging read to me and I knew she would pass that on to you, as well. When I received her post, I was blown away by how beautiful her message was. It's pretty much exactly what I had envisioned for this series. Please make sure you take the time to thank Laura Jean for being here today, and check out her blog! :)

Hello dear ones! It is a joy to be with you today and share a bit on the topic of positivity. I apologize in advance for being that blogger who shares about her husband and somewhat goos and gahs over him. But stick with me, even though I do think of him pretty highly, there is a distinct reason he emulates the word positive.

Jacob is best described by those who know him as a positive ball of energy and that is no exaggeration. The world could easily come crashing down and while every other person would fall into mass chaos, myself included, he would still be looking at what is right, beautiful, and positive. Even to strangers, Jake seeks the best in every situation and person.

Honesty time, throughout different seasons of my life I deeply struggle with getting stuck in little bothersome moments and focusing on negative thoughts rather than positive. Is anyone with me? A blueberry smoothie spills on the white carpet - I break into tears and instantly am overwhelmed. I get to work five minutes late and don't have time for breakfast - my thoughts are immediately focused on how this will ruin the rest of my day. My friends, remaining positive is difficult and when these examples are said aloud I feel somewhat foolish. I share them with you however because I venture to guess I am not alone.

This is where Jacob plays an integral part of my everyday life. I have learned from him there is a distinct difference between remaining positive and feeling happy. Happiness is a feeling that can come and go like the wind whereas remaining positive is a choice you make in your everyday moments, attitudes, and words. Spilling my smoothie certainly did not make me happy but Jacob reminded me that remaining positive would have made the whole situation better.

I covet Jake's natural ability to grow and thrive in positivity through all situations. Focusing on being positive is not an overnight process nor is it natural in the negativity that surrounds today's culture. It is essential however to grow in the grace of Jesus and share this character trait with others. Now from the very words of Jake himself, enjoy these practical ways to focus more on positivity in your life.

Don't Get Caught Up in the Small Things
Becoming easily upset and distraught over the small things will only skew your perspective of the grand scheme of life. Choose to overcome these moments with positive thinking and give yourself grace for mistakes.

A Day is a Day
If you are having a bad day, know that it is only one day and tomorrow has the opportunity to be better. It is easy to get stuck in a rut of bummer moments, hours, and seasons of life but when we remain positive and hopeful for what is ahead our mindsets slowly change.

There are Always Two Outcomes
Every situation presents the choice to think of it negatively or positively. With most situations in life there are two ways you can leave it - thinking about it positively or letting it overcome you with negative thoughts and emotions. Take a moment to pause and reflect on what direction you will choose your attitude to take.

Thanks again, Laura Jean! Here's wishing you, and all of YOU sweet readers, a Happy Thanksgiving! May you choose to live it with positivity! :)

-Song