People often ask me how I manage to stay so permanently positive, and it's really not that hard. I used to think that people who seem so damn happy must go home and collapse at having to put on a show, but no, now I am one of those annoying people you just cannot corrupt with mind numbing negativity, I simply won't play ball. Having crossed over from 'the dark side' many years ago, I thought I would share a few simple tips to help you feel the force on a daily basis - and if that sounds condescending, I apologize, but even the smartest of people make these errors on a daily basis, so stop.
1. Stop saying 'Hate'
Hate is a pretty strong word, and I believe you need to love something before you can truly hate it, so do you really hate the tube, the weather, someone's shoes? Chances are you don't so STOP saying it! Talk about what you love instead and zip it on won't you don't. Be aware of your words, period.
2. Stop saying 'I'm exhausted'
This one always makes me laugh: 'I'm exhausted!' GREAT! You just certified that to yourself, and everybody else, so now you'll really feel it. How about not saying it, carry on and find some energy, or have a power nap? And if that's not an option, stop speaking yourself into a mental state of fatigue and man up.
3. Be Grateful
We all feel a tad envious when we see the Instagram photos of the rich and famous living it up in Barbados for New Years while we're popping Tesco's finest Prosecco at home, but remember there is always someone with less than you, always. So be grateful for everything you have, and life will be just as fabulous as the Hollywood elite, and a lot less crazy with minimal risk of rehab.
4. Quit your bitching!
A colleague, a client, a family member, you really rip them to shreds on a daily basis don't you? feel better? No, you don't. Each time you talk badly of someone, it just comes back to f**k you up, not the person you're bitching about - ever. We all have people we dislike with a passion but just don't waste your energy on them in any way, move along. Talk about Beyoncé instead, we ALL love her.
5. Count your blessings
From your breakfast, to your coffee, to dinner with a friend: give thanks for everything, e-v-e-r-y-t-h-i-n-g. If you count up the number of things you have to be thankful each and everyday, you not only stop yourself from become an ungrateful b****, but you'll also realize just how much you have to be thankful for, that's the only way my friends.
6. Focus on what you like/love
Another biggie, and another moan I hear daily; what you don't like. People, places, situations, a movie, yawn. What do you expect to achieve from only talking about what you dislike other than bathing in negativity? Change the record and change your life by talking about what you love, and you'll receive more of it - WIN.
7. Love EVERY day
This summer I was out of work, overweight, and I broke a toe; not quite the summer of fun one would hope for, but did I moan? Nope, not once. I had an absolute BALL every single day. I gave thanks for my friends who love me, the massive amount of free time I had to write, my home, and my health. Do it.
Happy New Year!