Negative thoughts are like uninvited guests—they show up, but you don’t have to entertain them. Here’s how to guide your inner voice toward kindness:

1. Write it out.
Jot down your feelings to release them. Challenge negative thoughts by reframing them with a positive perspective.
 

2. Stay present.
Practice mindfulness—whether it’s focusing on your breath or tuning into the moment.
 

3. Move your body.
Dance, walk, stretch, or lift. Movement helps shift your mindset and boosts your mood.
 

4. Embrace the gray.
Life isn’t black and white. Pause to find the middle ground in any situation.
 

5. Reduce negativity.
Unfollow energy-draining accounts or take breaks from the news. Protect your peace.
 

6. Practice affirmations.
Replace self-doubt with powerful, positive statements. Repetition rewrites your inner story.
 

7. Count your wins.
Write down what you’re grateful for. Gratitude helps you recognize the beauty that already exists in your life.
 

8. Be kind to yourself.
Speak to yourself with the love and patience you’d give a toddler learning something new.
 

9. Reach out.
Share with a friend or seek guidance from a therapist. You don’t have to go it alone.

Each small step toward positive self-talk is a step closer to joy. Keep shining your light.

PS: The way you’d comfort a friend in hard times? You deserve that same compassion. You’re human too. 💛

Good morning, sunshine

Yesterday, a client asked me: “How are you so optimistic right now?”

At the time, I didn’t have an answer. But this morning, I had a realization that I hope brings you a little hope.

I’ve had my share of resets.

Switching careers.

Falling in love. Falling out of it.

Starting businesses that soared. And some that crashed.

Losing friends I thought were forever.

Facing a cancer scare that stopped me cold.

Landing a dream job, only to find it was a nightmare.

Living through a global pandemic. (We all did that one.)

Self-publishing a book and having it resonate with my community.

Moving cities. Making new friends. Finding my way back to old ones.

Getting screwed over by my publisher.

And finally, quitting that toxic “dream” job to become an artist and an entrepreneur.

So why am I optimistic?

Because I learned to surrender.

There are things I can control.
And there are things that will do what they want, regardless of me.

I’ve got limited energy, limited time, and a big heart. So I pour it into what matters: my mission. my people. my art.

I let myself grieve the losses.

But I don’t camp out in fear or worry—because when I do, I forget the beauty, the joy, the quiet magic.

My ancestors were enslaved.

I’m part of the first generation in my bloodline born with the right to vote.

I’m continually reminded that this country wasn’t designed for my success.

And still, I persist.

Optimism isn’t blind faith.

It’s a choice to keep looking for the light—because the world always has shadows.

But you, my friend, can always bring the sunshine.