7 POSITIVE CHOICES FOR LIVING A FABULOUS LIFE IN UNCERTAIN TIMES

Seven tips for living a positive (and fabulous) life in a world that seems to have gone slightly haywire over the last few years.

LIVING FABULOUSLY IN UNCERTAIN TIMES

I saw a really interesting article recently on a blog post from the Online Counselling College  titled - How to be a Genuine and Fun-Loving Person. As I read through the points they listed, I could definitely see a correlation with how I want to approach the year ahead - living authentically, seeing value in myself, refusing to buy into the negative culture around me, and choosing to approach life with positivity.

So, I've adapted them today into a post about how to live Fabulously in uncertain times and I hope you find them helpful too...

7 CHOICES TO LIVE FABULOUSLY EVERY DAY

1. Value and respect the fact that you are a totally unique individual:
It takes courage to be your authentic self and to believe in who you are, what you think and believe, your gifts and talents. We have so much to offer to those around us if we confidentally approach life on our own terms, secure in our beliefs and values.

When you're brave enough to live in your authenticity, you inspire others to live in theirs.

2. Refuse to give into negative feelings of anxiety, self doubt, or insecurity: 
Focusing on positivity and not buying into the culture of compare and despair is vital in these days of social media highlight reels. Nobody is as glamorous or perfect as they portray themselves to be - remembering that and tuning out the influencer mindset is key to remembering your own value and worth.

3. Don’t worry about what you imagine others think about you: 
One of the benefits of Midlife is that you realize that others aren't judging you as much as you assumed they were. Most people are too busy living their own lives to be worried about yours, and if they are judging or criticizing, then they're not the type of people you'd want to be around anyway. Live your life and let the opinions of others wash over you and ignore them.

4. Accept that you have good points, and areas for growth: 
Self-acceptance means stepping out of the need to be perfect and accepting that there will be times when we get it right, and times when we make mistakes. We’re all human and won’t always get it right, but if we learn from those mistakes, grow and move forward, then they serve a purpose in helping us to becoming better and more compassionate people.

5. Be grateful for the small things, and savour all you have:
In these uncertain times, we can feel overwhelmed if we're constantly allowing the news or the internet to bombard us with doom and gloom. Instead, choose to focus on the good around you - the small daily joys, the kindness of others, the things that are real and part of your immediate world. Don't allow what you can't control to control you or your emotions.
Life has taught me I'm not always in control quote
6. Develop your ability to think creatively: 
Try out those new ideas, give yourself the benefit of the doubt. What would you like to try your hand at? What creative pursuits nudge at you? I've been playing around with collaging, paint-by-numbers, and neurographic art, and I'm still thinking about learning how to play the ukele. What can you find that uses a different part of your brain? Don't brush it off, open yourself to adding something new into your world.

7. Seek to enjoy this moment, and to live life in the present: 
This is a big one for me - worrying about the future, or fretting about the past, or trying to control things that are out of our control - these lead to stress, anxiety, and a downward spiral. Living in the "now" and seeking to appreciate the little things in life is a great way to combat all the uncertainty in the world around us. Living a "small life" can have its rewards in times like these.

MY 7 FABULOUS CHOICES

So, those are my seven tips for living a positive (and fabulous) life in a world that seems to have gone slightly haywire over the last few years. 2022 isn't going to suddenly herald a return to our "old normal" - it's probably going to bring even more ups and downs into our lives. We can choose to be depressed and angry about that, or we can search for the positives and appreciate all that we have in our lives despite the upheavals we've all experienced. 

That's why I chose Fabulous as my #WOTY for 2022 - I want to focus on the good stuff and allow as much fun and positivity as possible into my life. I can't change the world, but I can definitely choose what to allow into my immediate headspace. I hope you choose to look towards the light too.

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Seven tips for living a positive (and fabulous) life in a world that seems to have gone slightly haywire over the last few years.

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Cresting the Hill - a blog for Midlife (Middle Aged / 50+) women who want to thrive
Seven tips for living a positive (and fabulous) life in a world that seems to have gone slightly haywire over the last few years.

44 comments

  1. Ugh, I'm not good with many of these... mostly those relating to how I judge myself and perceive others judge me, being grateful and living in the moment. I do try though. Mostly.

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    1. I used to get my knickers in a knot about what I assumed other people thought of me Deb - now I'm less bothered (not completely over it - but less stressed by what I perceive). Remembering that most of it's in my own head (and not reality) helps a lot!

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  2. Love this post! It talks about everything that I'm working on. The main one for me is letting go of the things I cannot change. I have to tune out the news more. Thank you Leanne. Sharing to FB. xxx Christina Daggett

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    1. Hi Christina - I try to keep my news viewing to a minimum. The really important stuff will filter through, but the media just loves to make a big deal out of stuff and I'm tired of all the fear-mongering. I choose to live in my own reality and focus on what I have some control over - not on what is completely out of my hands :)

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  3. Yes! I totally agree with all of these. I feel like I have been living in a parallel universe to most people these past few years as I have happily buried my head in the sand and ignored 95% of the news. Sure I feel a but uniformed every now and then but I am by far one of the happiest people I know and don't buy into all that doom and gloom. If anything I see many more random acts of kindness and people striving to connect. There is so much goodness in the world when you start looking for it and focus more on the positive. Though I still need to work on worrying less and letting go of things that I can not control.

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    1. Beautifully said Joanne! Sometimes I feel like I'm one of the only people who doesn't see covid as a huge black cloud trying to smother the world. I still see lots of goodness, lots of people going above and beyond in helping others, there's plenty of all the necessities of life, there's research and vaccines and medical assistance - life is pretty good in my small part of the world. I can't fix the big picture, but I can choose what I allow into my head and my air space. :)

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  4. I love everything about this post, Leanne! So many good points to live after and focus on positivity! Some points are more difficult than others, but there are so many good things to focus on and I'm re-learning that this year.

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    1. Hi Susanne - one thing the pandemic has taught me is that I can't change the world, I won't always agree with others, and everything changes. So, I choose to focus on what's close to me, what's positive, and the people I love. The rest is just noise.

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  5. I do think number 7 is where you really find the joy in life. Lovely post!

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    1. You're right Lydia - if the pandemic has taught me one thing - it's to focus on the "now" and to worry less about what I have no control over. Life's short :)

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  6. Lovely post Leanne and all such great tips. I like looking for the small daily joys and making them a target.

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    1. Hi Deb - my days always have little nuggets of joy in them (even the not-so-great days) and if I remind myself of how blessed I am it makes all the difference.

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  7. Great tips, Leanne. I agree that age often brings freedom from so many things. This is an incredible gift if we reach out and accept it!

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    1. I cherish every little bit of freedom and flexibility that retirement has brought my way Donna - it's such a privilege to be able to pick and choose when I go out, who I mix with, and how much exposure I allow myself to have to any covid bugs!

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  8. Living in the present is something I always strive for, but it was the pandemic that brought home just how important it is.

    Michelle
    https://mybijoulifeonline.com

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    1. I completely agree Michelle - the pandemic reminds us that we have very little control over the big stuff - or what the future holds, so focusing in on what we can control, living in the present, and being grateful all make such a difference.

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  9. These are all great points Leanne. I agree with all. My favourites and no 5 and no 7. These days for me it's the small joys that are important. I'm trying to live in the present and not worry about the future, though I am challenged by that a bit. Working on it.

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    1. Hi Jen - I've given up worrying about the future with this pandemic - I think there's a lot of fear out there and I refuse to buy into it - it changes nothing and robs the present moment of its joy. I choose to focus on the day I'm living in, to stay away from those who are shouting doom and gloom, and to live quietly and happily - so far it's working out really well :)

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  10. It IS an absolute JOY to view and read of your continuing transformation Leanne. So much creativity no longer hiding...appealing to all of your senses too. Go well....
    Thank you for sharing your post for Life This Week. I enjoy seeing your blog’s post pop up in the link up. Warm wishes, Denyse.

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    1. Hi Denyse - (as you know) using art is really soothing to the soul. It doesn't matter if others like it or understand it, but letting the right side of my brain have some time to play really helps balance out all the stress that tries to catch my attention.

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  11. Such great points. Thanks for sharing them. Very nice.

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    1. Thanks Patrick - I think it's good to remind ourselves that there's still a lot within our control and the world still has a lot of good in it.

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  12. All the things I'm working on - some come more easily than others! I saw this quote the other day and had to laugh since I am the queen of compare & despair: "even supermodels aren't super models in real life".

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    1. I don't think many of us are as "together" in real life as we appear to be online Pat! I just keep beavering away at being a better version of myself - it's never too late to become what we have the potential to be. :)

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  13. I absolutely love this post, Leanne. This describes exactly how I am trying to live my life. As you said, I accept that I am not doing it perfectly, but this is what I strive for. I appreciate the reminder this morning going into a fresh new day. Thank you, and have a fabulous day!

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    1. Hi Christie - I'm just taking it a day at a time and working on being positive and staying away from anyone and anything that hinges around the negatives and doomsdaying. I feel like the more I focus on what's in my immediate vicinity, the happier I am.

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  14. Hi Leanne - Good a list you have. I am jotting these 7 down and keeping it on my desk. This can be a great motivation.
    How things turn out is not in our control. But surely how we react to the way things turn out is well within our control.
    It's very important to be positive and cheerful.

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    1. That's lovely Pradeep - I hope they remind you that life is still good and there's still plenty to be cheerful about. I refuse to let circumstances drag me down - life's too short!

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  15. A great list to live by. I have to say most of my anxiety thrums away in the background in relation to work - it's a low level gut twisting have I missed something, have I stuffed up sort of feeling. It's something I'm trying to learn to let go of. And it's not the job, it's me - I think I'd be like this in any job. Social media - other than Facebook which annoys me a lot - gives me an escape from that and doesn't trigger any of the not good enough/I'm not enough feelings I'm prone to. I manage that quite well without any outside influence (no pun intended).

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    1. I used to have very similar feelings in my jobs too Jo - I think it comes from being a details person and not wanting to let anyone down. I don't miss that feeling at all and the low grade stress that it carries with it. I find SM to be a fun time waster - but that being said, I curate my feed stringently - nothing gets into my head that isn't upbeat, joyful, or interesting (ain't nobody got time for the bad stuff!)

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  16. This is a great list, Leanne. Every new day is a gift and it's our choice to enjoy it the best we can. Thank you for linking up with #weekendcoffeeshare.

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    1. I'm just so aware that this is the second half of life Natalie and time isn't infinite - so I want to enjoy it and not waste it on worrying about stuff out of my control (or dealing with other people's fear and drama).

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  17. So much great advice here! I especially appreciate this bit: "Others aren't judging you as much as you assumed they were. Most people are too busy living their own lives to be worried about yours." So true and so liberating.

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    1. It took me a long time to figure that out Janet - and to realize that other people really don't think about us much at all (which is a little bit sad when you think about it). Everyone is soooo self-focused these days and they rarely worry about what others are doing unless it directly impacts their lives. It's quite liberating indeed when we realize this :)

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  18. Hi Leanne, I left a comment here a few days ago and it may have ended up in spam or forever lost in cyberspace. I keep a file of my comments for awhile and I will copy/paste 😊 💕I always greatly admire you, Leanne, for your candour, your vulnerability, and helping expose and share the humanity in all of us. Like you say well “…choosing to approach life with positivity.” You always remind me how we learn a great deal from each other.

    I am presently reading “This is not a Writing Manual” by Kerri Majors. Coincidentally, she brings up the concept of courage. An hour later I read your sentence “it takes courage to be your authentic self….” Obviously, I should listen and soak in this message. I wholeheartedly agree with “…you carve out paths for others to do so as well…” I had this conversation a few times this past week with different women. The entire quote by Scott Stabile is great.

    Number 7 is always a challenge for me and I have become consistent with a Meditation app every day.

    I wholeheartedly agree with “areas for growth.” I know this is one of many things you and I have in common, Leanne. Thank you for sharing an excellent post! I have saved it to reread when I need a boost of courage.xx



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    1. I think your comment must have disappeared into cyberspace Erica and I'm so glad you kept a copy! Your thoughtful insights always encourage me to keep on with this blogging journey. Courage is a big one for me and deciding where to hold my ground and where to let go gracefully is still a challenge. I had an encounter with someone the other day who was forcefully stating their opinion and not listening, I ended up leaving the room because something inside me just said that it wasn't worth the fight. I'm getting very weary of people and their agendas - especially in these difficult times where dissention is so rife. Donna's WOTY "Peace" resonated with me because that's all I want in my life now - and growing into a calm and peaceful life is my goal in the days ahead.

      I miss you and I hope that things are going well with you guys - I think of you often because you deserve such happiness. xx

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  19. Leanne, thanks so much for putting this list together and getting me to really put some thought into this. As I believe you're aware, I'm vulnerable and am pretty much in lockdown although I go into the odd shop. I have been having weekly occupational therapy sessions to get my head around the return to school and trying to get our household going. I can't say back because back doesn't exist on so many levels, but it's not all new either. So, I thought I'd through these ideas into the ring in addition to your points.
    The big thing that comes up for us is reducing the chaos and unfamiliar. Routine and structure are almost critical during times of uncertainty, which is hard for creatives like myself who can struggle with it. I organise my day around meals and we've got as far as linking tasks around breakfast to re-establish structure. Lists are also helpful when you're living on a constantly shifting carpet. Reducing your mental load by having those external prompts. Having a reason to live is always important as is having something to look forward to and having hope. While some people aedvocate turning off all media and sticking your head in the sand, I really feel you need to be informed and know your enemy, but that different to fixation. Having time away is also important and being able to switch off.
    One of the things I've been told as a person with a disability is to find your way around hurdles and obstacles. For many people with disabilities, covid lockdowns actually opened doors for us and greatly extended our access to the outside world. It's also really important to have a community or village where you're supporting each other. Friends have become quite polarised by different views towards vaccination, isolation, mask-wearing and so trying to maintain a level head is also important. Lastly, while I went for a defined "Covid Project" to help give meaning to lockdown, I later realised that being so focused as lockdown ended wasn't as beneficial as I thought. That balance is important- mind, body, spirit, and spiritual and social connection.
    Best wishes,
    Rowena

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  20. Hi Rowena - I'm so pleased you took the time to make such a thoughtful comment. I'm a very orderly person, so I forget others don't have as much structure in their life and may need to change things around to cope when life becomes more uncertain. I can see that having some rhythm to your day and steps to progress through can make it all feel more stable and that you're more in control.


    I keep an eye on the news, but I refuse to get drawn into the media hype of all of this pandemic hysteria - perhaps because I'm not as vulnerable and at risk as some who are living in dread and fear of this virus. I also refuse to engage in debating vax/non-vax issues because I have sympathy for both sides of the argument - I just hate that our govt has decided to force people to make choices - that just seems to go against all that Australia stands for.

    I'll just be glad when we're another year or so down the track and hopefully the virus will keep mutating into less virulent strains and we can treat it like we do with the flu. And you're so right about finding balance - and being responsible for how we handle these upsetting and unsettling times. I choose to be positive and to know that God's in control - and "this too shall pass". Stay well and stay strong x

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  21. I am need to be better at not giving into self-doubt but recently I decided the root of my doubt is just waiting for the perfect conditions to come about. So I decided rather than dwell and wait, just pursue it.

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    1. I was a perfectionist and control freak for most of my life Julie - I'm slowly learning to let all that go and to let things unfold in their own time. If something interests me then I'll give it a try - perfection or excellence no longer drives my decision making - "have a go" and "as good as it gets" are my mantras now. :)

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  22. Leanne, I loved those. I am pinning this so I can go back to it later. That first quote I especially love. I would say 6 is the hardest for me, though with my WOTY being "Unfold" I'm stretching myself in this area. #7 can be hard for me only in the sense that with my dad passing away last year and there being tensions and inuendos from my sister, sometimes I find myself looking backwards to often and questioning myself and my motives, which I know I need to stop doing. Thank you so much for this post.

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    1. Hi Kirstin - thanks so much for your lovely compliment and I hope you keep tackling creative pursuits - because they make your heart sing when you find something that resonates. In regard to looking back or worry about what's to come..... I'm getting better at not doing either because they both cause me stress and worry, and I don't need either of those in my life. Living each day as it comes is so much more peaceful!

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  23. These are excellent pointers. And I like the fact that you have mentioned some unique points which I have not read in other articles, brilliant piece!

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    1. Thanks Pooja - they each resonated with me and I thought it was a great time to share them while we're in such unsettled times.

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Thanks so much for your comment - it's where the connection begins.