Blogs by Ella Fisher

As the days grow shorter and the evenings darker, I notice that I tend to dwell more on things that aren't necessarily uplifting. It’s natural, but this shift in mood has also nudged me to find ways to stay positive, even when my thoughts veer toward the less cheerful aspects of life.

Take, for example, my father's passing—it’s a reminder that life isn’t infinite, and that it can change unexpectedly from one day to the next. Reflecting on this has made me realize the importance of cherishing every moment and seeking positivity wherever possible. But staying positive isn’t always easy; it’s an active choice that requires a bit of thought and, sometimes, a few intentional actions.

Practice Acceptance (Even When It's Hard)

One of the things I’ve struggled with is accepting people as they are, especially when I don’t fully understand their behaviour. This is what I really don’t like: when someone ignores messages or leaves conversations unanswered. It’s become surprisingly normal to ghost or go silent without an explanation. I’ll admit that, in the past, I’ve done the same—whether out of busyness or avoidance. But now, I make a point of responding, even if it’s just a quick reply. Choosing kindness, even in small ways, helps me maintain a more positive outlook and fosters better relationships. 

Energize with What You Love

When life feels a little bleak, I focus on activities that boost my energy and lift my spirits. Whether it's planning fun outings with family or friends, diving into a Netflix series I can’t get enough of, or even booking a future trip, having things to look forward to keeps me energized. Planning for something ahead doesn’t mean you’re not living in the moment; it simply adds a dose of excitement to daily life and creates something to anticipate.

If you’re looking for ways to boost your positivity, try identifying activities that bring you joy. Even small things, like taking up a hobby or exploring a new interest, can make a big difference. Sometimes, the act of planning itself—setting dates and imagining the joy—can lift your mood instantly.

Cultivate Small, Daily Habits for Positivity

Another practical approach is to create small, daily habits that encourage a positive mindset. Here are a few ideas that can be easy to start but bring a noticeable impact:

1. Gratitude journaling – 

Every day, I try to work on my gratitude journal. I always start by thanking the Universe, acknowledging that it’s helping fulfill my wishes. Sometimes, it’s challenging when things don’t go as I’d hoped, or when I’d prefer a different outcome, but I try to stay focused on the belief that the Universe always has my best interests at heart, bringing only what truly belongs in my life.

I also draw a tarot card and then let it go because I’ve learned that trying to live according to a tarot prediction doesn’t work. It’s more fun to look back later and see if the prediction came true.

Along with that, I highlight three things I’m especially grateful for, and I keep a running list of the everyday things that make me happy. I also take time to vent my feelings, which helps when I’m dealing with frustration.

2. Movement and fresh air – 

I’ll admit, now that it’s dark outside, I often don’t feel like going out in the evenings anymore. I recently bought a treadmill, and I’m trying to do three 90-minute sessions per week. After each workout, I feel full of energy again and genuinely happy that I pushed myself to do it. It also gives me a sense of pride that I can keep it up for that long.

If you do enjoy getting outside, go for it, even if it’s dark. A half hour or an hour outside can truly recharge you.

3. Limit negative influences – 

Sometimes, I turn off notifications on my phone. I’ve noticed that WhatsApp can be a big distraction for me. And the endless scrolling I sometimes do on Instagram doesn’t help either. Like I’ve mentioned before, it’s just a way to avoid something. It’s a distraction, and that’s why we all tend to do it.

At one point, I decided to make a change and started by turning off my notifications whenever I’m off work. I’ve noticed that I feel much calmer and don’t have the constant urge to check everything. 

You can set boundaries for yourself—try setting specific times to check your phone, or put it away for a while, or even leave it behind. Although, the last option is a bit tricky since it’s reassuring to have your phone with you in case something happens.

Some people can also have a negative influence on me, so I either try to avoid them or make it clear that I’m done with their behaviour. Being direct is beneficial—for both you and the other person.

Remember: It’s OK to Feel Ups and Downs

As the title says, it’s true—just make sure you don’t get completely absorbed by it. Here’s an example: I finally watched *The Whale*, and oh man, I was in tears. It reminded me of my dad, not because of the main character's weight, but because of the bond he has with his daughter.

My father never left me, but I was quite a rebellious daughter and often did whatever I wanted. This sometimes led to clashes between us, and I know I caused him a lot of pain. The story hit me so hard that I found myself crying long before the ending.

If you haven’t seen the movie yet, watch it! I let myself cry, but then I pulled myself back together—and that’s the most important part. No matter what, always pull yourself back up.

Staying positive doesn’t mean ignoring difficult emotions. It’s natural to feel a range of emotions, especially as seasons change or when personal experiences, like losing a loved one, affect us deeply. The goal isn’t to push aside these feelings but rather to balance them with positive actions and reminders that bring light into your day.

In the end, staying positive is a journey, not a destination. It’s about creating habits, making conscious choices, and giving yourself things to look forward to that can brighten even the cloudiest of days.