In difficult times such as the current COVID-19 crisis, it can be difficult to be happy or even optimistic. If your daily routine, studies or work have been disrupted, it can feel like everything is going wrong. We feel you, but, it’s in times like these when it’s most important to look on the bright side. Here are wise words from 5 amazing women to help you do this.

Choose your mood

“Happiness is an attitude. We either make ourselves miserable, or happy and strong. The amount of work is the same.” - Francesca Reigler

Being in a negative space can be really draining, nothing takes up more energy than committing to a bad mood. Remember that where you focus your energy is important. We’re not saying you should ignore negative emotions, but rather work through them and focus on finding reasons to be positive and happy, rather than unhappy.

Create your own happiness

“Don’t wait around for other people to be happy for you. Any happiness you get you’ve got to make yourself.” - Alice Walker

Looking for happiness and fulfilment outside of yourself often leads to disappointment. Your family, friends, partner or even work can motivate you, but happiness is something you need to create within yourself. Find small achievements and milestones within yourself that you can celebrate and start cultivate positive energy and happiness from there.

Happiness is simple

“I define joy as a sustained sense of well-being and internal peace – a connection to what matters.” - Oprah Winfrey

The world may be chaotic at the moment, and it’s frustrating that none of us have the power to change this. However, you can change the way you think about things. Before you come up with reasons why you can’t be happy and at peace, think of all the things that are actually going well - like your health, family or anything that’s given you a reason to smile today.

Positive thoughts are empowering

“I don't think of all the misery but of the beauty that still remains.” - Anne Frank

This quote reminds us that we have the power to focus on the things that give us hope, such as the beauty of life, even in the most difficult times. Focusing on the negative things only makes us feel disempowered, but there’s a sense of strength that comes with choosing to see the beauty.

You are the difference

“It’s not the load that breaks you down, it’s the way you carry it.” - Lena Horne

If you’ve ever carried a heavy bag, you know the relief of changing your posture and balancing the weight of the bag better. The weight doesn’t necessarily have to change, but how you carry it makes a huge difference. Negative experiences are no different, if you think about it. How you carry these experiences, the words you use to describe them and yourself, as well as how you choose to react to them makes all the difference.

Feeling down is normal in tough situations, but at the end of the day, you deserve happiness and you do have the power to look on the bright side. If you ever need a pick-me-up, read the quotes above for a reminder.