Money Saving Mom®

I really admire your commitment to a positive attitude that I see comes through in your blog. Cultivating a positive attitude is something I’m currently working on, as I’ve recently seen how destructive my negative thoughts and attitudes have been in my goal-setting attempts in the past. I’ve also become aware of how clearly a negative attitude does not line up with my Christian faith.

I would love to hear your thoughts on how to develop a positive attitude, especially for someone who is working to transform poor habits that perpetuate a negative attitude. Thanks for all you do and the inspiration you provide! -Anna

Hi, Anna!

First off, I need to set the record straight. I don’t always have a positive attitude. In fact, there are definitely some days “positive” would probably be the last thing my husband would describe me as. 🙂

However, I do try to focus on the positive and keep an upbeat attitude about life. Because truly, life is so much more enjoyable when you look at the bright side, anyway!

1) Abide in Christ

As a Christian, I have a deep contentment that comes from my relationship with Christ. He gives me strength and joy in the midst of whatever circumstances I’m facing.

Beginning my day reading Scripture and meditating on God’s goodness really helps me to have Him as my focal point. I also am constantly praying throughout the day as I need wisdom, direction, guidance, and peace.

2) Bloom Where You Are Planted

We can’t always change our circumstances, but we can always change our attitude. Choose to make the most of wherever you find yourself. Embrace the moments. Live with zest. Find joy in the little things.

For more ideas, read my article on 16 Ways to Become More Content.

3) Surround Yourself With Positive People

Joy is infectious and contagious. Find some upbeat friends and people to spend time with on a regular basis and I can almost guarantee that their attitude will rub off on you.

4) Choose Gratitude

There is always, always, always something to be grateful for. Challenge yourself to find three things to be thankful for

Last week, when I was on day four of being in bed with the flu, I was really starting to feel discouraged. It’s hard for me to be sick, especially since I love to be busy doing… and I also knew I had a trip coming up at the end of the week that I needed to be well for.

As I was lying there in bed feeling really tempted to feel sorry for myself, I decided to choose gratitude instead. I made myself start listing off everything I could think of to be grateful for.

You know what? Within minutes — literally! — I had a whole change of perspective. Yes, maybe I still felt feverish and achy, but I realized that I had so much to be thankful for — a warm house, a comfortable bed, food to eat, pain relievers I could take, friends and family who care so much about me… and on and on the list went.

5) Laugh Often

Almost all of us need to lighten up more about life. Find the funny and silly and goofy and comical in the everyday and laugh about it. Call your husband at work to tell him that hilarious thing your child did or said. Share a funny photo you find with a friend. Or gather around the laptop and watch funny movies on YouTube before you head to bed at night.

Laughter is good for the soul.

6) Live a Life With Outstretched Arms

You know one quick way to help change your attitude, especially if you’re feeling down? Do something for someone else.

When you take the focus off of yourself and start reaching out to other people, all of a sudden you’ll forget about your problems and worries. And you’ll probably find you have a lot more joy and fulfillment, too!

What about the rest of you? What helps you to have a more positive attitude and outlook on life?

photo credit

Erin from The Humbled Homemaker emailed in and said:

Most Aldi stores have now released a temporary organic line to test whether there is a demand for these items! I was excited to see this announcement in their weekly flier.

I visited the store on Saturday and sure enough, our Aldi currently had raw milk organic cheese, organic string cheese, organic yogurt, organic frozen berries, organic canned tomatoes, organic jarred pasta sauce, and more! I always shop at Aldi first because their prices are so good. If they keep the organic line, I will be shopping there even more!

I am hoping that if enough people shop while they are testing the line or write to request that they keep it that Aldi will decide to keep it around–and expand on it! Please encourage people to write to Aldi on their Facebook page or email them through their contact form and ask that they continue offering this line of organic products. -Erin

The internet is a wonderful place to find all sorts of fascinating, uplifting, and educational stuff. I’ve been blessed beyond words by the things I’ve read online and by the people I’ve met online.

But while online relationships can be great, face-to-face friendships are so important. In fact, I’d go so far as to say that they are vital and necessary to living a thriving and rich life. Talking through a computer screen is just never the same as sitting down over a cup of coffee with someone.

And that’s why I’m thrilled that one of my favorite sites is hosting their second annual meet-up. I attended this last year and was so blessed — and I’m excited they are doing it again!

Instead of having to pay airfare and hotel and conference fees, instead of having to figure out how to work out the logistics of leaving your family behind, and instead of having to worry about packing your bags, you can save your money, stay home, and enjoy a fun meet-up in your local area with other women who are craving deep, rich, close friendships and local community.

Details About the (in)RL Event:

What’s it called: (in)RL {short for “IRL” or “in real life”}

When is it: A couple hours each on Friday & Saturday April 26 & 27, 2013.

What’s it about: Creating a catalyst for women to connect in real life, right where they are.

Why’s it special: It’s the un-conference that comes to your doorstep; just meet up with girl friends and tune in to our online webcast.

Who’s it for: Last year we explored the nitty gritty of community. This year we’re taking a closer look at what it takes to stay rooted in community when sometimes just walking away would be so much easier and tons more convenient. Women share stories of how they’ve chosen to stay through hard marriages, challenging parenting, worthwhile friendships. How choosing to stay has freed them more fully and unexpectedly than if they’d cut and run.

Find more details here.

Want to participate in this exciting event happening in cities and towns all around the world? Visit the (in)RL website for more details and find a meet-up in your local area (or sign-up to host one).