1. Shift Your Perspective

How we perceive situations greatly influences our emotional response. For instance, two individuals may face the same outcome yet interpret it entirely differently, leading to contrasting feelings.

During the summer before sixth grade, my best friend and I auditioned for prestigious ballet programs, including The Joffrey Ballet and the School of American Ballet. After weeks of waiting, we received our results. Except for one acceptance, we faced a series of rejections.

When my friend called to share her acceptance into Joffrey, I realized that while she was ecstatic about the opportunity to spend ten weeks in New York City, I was feeling downcast. My perfectionistic attitude fixated on the other rejections, leading me to question my worth and the validity of my acceptance.

In contrast, my friend embraced her achievement, allowing her pride to shape a positive interpretation of her journey.

2. Cultivate Gratitude

Gratitude serves as a powerful antidote to negative thinking. My friend exemplified this when she focused on her opportunity at Joffrey, despite the previous rejections. Research supports that cultivating gratitude fosters a more optimistic outlook.

However, embodying gratitude requires intentional practice. Keeping a daily journal to note things you appreciate can help shift focus from the negative to the positive aspects of life.

3. Embrace Mindfulness

Being present is essential for recognizing what we are grateful for. Mindfulness allows us to become aware of our surroundings, experiences, and emotions.

As defined by Mindful.org, mindfulness is the ability to remain fully engaged in the moment without being overwhelmed by external stimuli. Simple activities, like brushing your teeth or enjoying a meal, can become mindful practices.

By appreciating these small moments, we cultivate gratitude, enriching our daily experience.

4. Learn to Let Go

The concept of "release" can mean different things to different people. In our hyper-connected world, it can be challenging to detach from external pressures.

For me, releasing means stepping back from social media, which often diminishes my mental well-being. I previously had a large Instagram following focused on my recovery journey, but as the platform evolved, I felt compelled to share more than I was comfortable with. This shift led to a decline in engagement and ultimately, a realization that stepping back was necessary for my mental health.

Releasing external expectations allows for a greater focus on mindfulness and gratitude—elements I find far more valuable than navigating the competitive social media landscape.