Jacket: Nordstrom Ruffle Bomber (XS) – 40% off!
Top: Express Downtown Cami (XSP) – also in regular
Bottom: 7 For All Mankind Jeans (24 / size down) – 25% off!
Shoes: Ann Taylor ‘Odette’ (5 / size down) – on sale! similar, similar
Necklace: Sugarfix for Baublebar Mixed Media Tassel Necklace
Sunglasses: Chelsea 28 ‘Ellie’
Watch: Garmin Vivomove HR
Bag: Chloe ‘Nile’ dupe
I originally wanted to share a post today talking all about Nordstrom’s Triple Points sale, but after editing these pictures from a photoshoot I did on these “Happy” steps (all the letters come together to say happy!), I decided to incorporate a more important topic that I’ve been thinking about lately. I attended a parent talk a few weeks ago at my son’s school and they talked about students’ happiness. The Head of the School gave an opening speech and brought up some points that really made me think. Yale University offered a new course this year on How To Be Happy and it has become their most popular class. EVER. It’s something that made me think about happiness, how it’s evolved in my own life, and how something so fundamental may not actually be that easy to attain.
I haven’t talked about this much but I started having anxiety issues about 3 years ago. It was confusing for me given that I’m a naturally happy person, never had issues in the past related to anxiety or mental health, and wasn’t even sure what it was I was dealing with at the time. And while I am still learning to deal with my anxiety (and hope to share more in a coming post), I wanted to share a few ways to be more optimistic that I think can help anyone become happier version of themselves!
Jacket: Nordstrom Ruffle Bomber (XS) – 40% off!
Top: Express Downtown Cami (XSP) – also in regular
Bottom: 7 For All Mankind Jeans (24 / size down) – 25% off!
Shoes: Ann Taylor ‘Odette’ (5 / size down) – on sale! similar, similar
Necklace: Sugarfix for Baublebar Mixed Media Tassel Necklace
Sunglasses: Chelsea 28 ‘Ellie’
Watch: Garmin Vivomove HR
Bag: Chloe ‘Nile’ dupe
5 Ways to be More Optimistic
Gratitude
I mentioned this in my previous Lessons I Learned From One Of My Worst Days post but practicing gratitude every day is so important. I find that sometimes I tend to focus too much on disappointments or shortcomings that I don’t realize all that I have. I have the 5 Minute Journal downloaded on my phone and I spend a few minutes every night filling it out. I love that it shifts my mindset to find the good that happened that day and I’ve realized that having gratitude and being thankful really make a big difference in my happiness. I’ve mentioned also that I have a nightly ritual with my kids where I ask them what their favorite part of the day was and it’s also an easy way for them to get into the habit of finding the good.
Workout and Get The Endorphins Flowing
This is one I didn’t realize was so important until I had a couple weeks where I just didn’t get a chance to workout. I had prioritized work and just didn’t get my butt moving at all or work up a sweat. I’ve since realized the importance of working out, getting a sweat in, and getting the endorphins going in my body. Endorphins are your body’s natural way of fighting pain / stress and are released when you exercise. I’ve since realized just how much I need these endorphins in my body and so I make exercise a huge priority in my life! You can see more about workouts I’m loving in this latest post.
Smile
It actually takes less effort to smile than it does to frown, and even though it’s the last thing you’ll want to do when you’re unhappy, just thinking a happy thought will get a smile creeping on your face. I have photos saved on my phone from moments that made me happy and sometimes seeing those is all I need to get in a better mood! Smiling is also contagious so being a happier person yourself will attract those that are happy to be around you.
Have Reminders of Successful Moments
We all have times when we deal with disappointments either at work or in our personal lives, but there are also successes that we need to remind ourselves of! I find that it’s helpful to write down big accomplishments or even just thoughtful messages people left for me to later look back on whenever I need to get myself out of a funk. It’s always good to reflect on the past to see your accomplishments and it’s also a good way to see just how far you’ve come!
Help Someone Else
When all else fails, help out another person and you’d be amazed at how good it makes you feel! It can be as easy as picking up the tab for someone at Starbucks, letting someone have your seat on the bus / subway, or just giving someone a compliment. Making someone else happy is a surprisingly a great way to make yourself feel better and it just helps spread the happiness all around!
Jacket: Nordstrom Ruffle Bomber (XS) – 40% off!
Top: Express Downtown Cami (XSP) – also in regular
Bottom: 7 For All Mankind Jeans (24 / size down) – 25% off!
Shoes: Ann Taylor ‘Odette’ (5 / size down) – on sale! similar, similar
Necklace: Sugarfix for Baublebar Mixed Media Tassel Necklace
Sunglasses: Chelsea 28 ‘Ellie’
Watch: Garmin Vivomove HR
Bag: Chloe ‘Nile’ dupe
Happiness is a choice. Sometimes even the happiest of people need a reminder that they have a choice to choose their outlook on life. Cultivating optimism goes hand in hand with happiness and it can really change the way you interact with people and deal with struggles. I’d love to know your thoughts and tips on how to be optimistic!
Shop the Ways to be More Optimistic Post
This jacket is the cutest! Love the color and ruffle detail.
xx, Elise
http://www.sparkleandslippers.blogspot.com
I ALWAYS love your posts & of course this one is no different 🙂 Working out Definitely makes you feel better and even more accomplished! I love helping someone else. It makes you feel so good inside! 🙂
http://www.withlovefromkimberly.com
LOVE LOVE LOVE this look and the post. Such a great way to start my weekend!
This is a great post, I love all of these tips, such a great reminder.
These are all great points. I’m taking notes and trying to practice at least a few 😉
Ps. I’d love to have you share your post on my new Link Up Party here: http://thirtyminusone.com/trendy-thursday-linkup-off-shoulder-stripped-romper/
Xx, Nailil
These are really great tips to being happier in life. I am loving this outfit and the ruffles are so perfect with this outfit!
This post is so refreshing! I love the idea of helping others on a daily basis!
Thank you so much for sharing this post! I needed these reminders for myself – especially after having a particularly challenging week!
Great tips! Exercise is the way to go for me!
Also, I LOVE that jacket!
OHHHH I love this post! & the background suits the topic so well.
Your style is always flawless. LOVE.
These steps are making me so happy! You have some great tips here to stay positive.
Megan | http://www.pipmegan.com
What a nice and interesting post and the pictures are great as well! your outfit is beautiful and I like the match of the neutral tones with the colored background!
https://4highheelsfans.wordpress.com/2018/05/03/chantilly-day-4-apotheosis/
The jacket is so cute. Also, loving the stairs you found to photograph in front of!!
Love this! Gratitudes are huge for me and writing them down really works!
I love all your tips!! I do believe happiness is a choice too and know I can always do a better job of implementing some of these easy tips to keep each day a happy one and stress less about the little stuff!
xo, Laura
So many great tips! Such a great post to start my Monday.
Love these tips! I needed them today!
Love this post. It’s so important to be happy. If everyone looked at the positive things their lives the world would be a better place.
XOXO
Cathy
These tips are awesome! And I am actually surprised but oh-so happy that your son’s school talked about this. A lot of the times it starts with the youngest generation 🙂
This is the perfect location for a shoot! I love your outfit too.
I love positive posts like these 🙂 You look so pretty in these pics babe!
What great tips! Thank you for sharing with us!! I always love the feeling I get after helping someone, such a great feeling it is. That and also complimenting people too!!
This post is awesome, I feel like we could all use a way to be positive even when our day or even week isn’t going that well. Love your outfit!
Gratitude is everything, I so agree with all of these! That ruffle jacket is SO CUTE! I love it and how you styled it!
The jacket is so cute. Looks good on you! I want to have one. Love your post today. Will definitely share this.
These are all the things I do when I’m having a bum day! Great tips! X
Thank you for sharing about your life and giving these tips. Definitely much needed!
This post is so fabulous. We could all use a little optimism in our lives!
yes! I love this! Working out is so important!
These are great tips! Love the one about serving others!
Thank you for sharing this post and being open and honest. I’ve struggled with anxiety in the past and it is hard. Helping others and being transparent was and is key for me. I think connecting to others and sharing your personal journey with it helps others as well,
http://www.mylittlenest.org
I love this post Kileen. So many great reminders. I love how you said Happiness is a choice. So good. Thank you for sharing. xoxo
These are great tips! I’m going to start working out again once aunt flo leaves.
Gratitude is key!
P.s. loving the ruffle bomber.
These are such great suggestions, I love gratitude and your suggestion of remembering successful moments. Also, yes to Nordstrom triple points! Such happy steps too, great post!
Kellie
thebicoastsalbeauty.com
I feel more optimistic by just reading this! So many great ideas here.
love these tips! i’ve been so stressed lately and feeling anxious so i’ll keep these in mind!!
xoxo
Victoria
http://www.agallonofglitter.com
This is so on point dear, and I couldn’t agree more, especially on the last one. Kindness won’t cost you a thing, so pass it around and make this world a better place.
Jessica | notjessfashion.com
I can definitely attest to helping others to put your own life into perspective. Loved this post
Working out and helping others definitely helps! Thanks for sharing these tips on being more optimistic. Love that ruffled bomber you’re wearing too!
I love these photos! And, I love the points you make here about how to be more optimistic, especially by helping others!!!
Love your look and I’ve been eyeing that Chloe bag for a while, I think I need to take the plunge and get it 😀
so many great tips babe! it’s so important to stay optimistic so these reminders are wonderful 🙂 thanks for sharing!
I absolutely love this! I try to journal about gratitude when I can. I also try to just smile in the morning as I walk to work. They all help. Also it’s crazy how popular that class was at Yale! I think that says something about society. Thanks for linking up with Ada and I for the Thursday Moda linkup!
Nina
aworldofdresses.com