I often get asked, “How do you stay so positive all the time?” The reality is I wouldn’t be a very genuine person if I was pretending to be happy all the time. I definitely choose a positive mindset everyday because that is how I am wired but trust me, I allow myself a good cry when I need it.

To give you some background, I have always been the “strong one” both in my family growing up and now with my own family. From a young age, I took on this role of protector with my younger brothers and helper to my mom. As a result, I really didn’t have the time or energy to be weak or sad a lot. Don’t get me wrong. I did have my sad times and hardships but, at least on the outside, I always felt like I had to be tough and keep everyone happy and positive.

To be honest, lifting people’s spirits and finding positivity in each day isn’t something that is a chore or a burden to me. It is something that is truly therapeutic for me too. It’s part of the reason I took the leap of faith in starting my blog. Not only do I enjoy sharing with others but it keeps me in a positive space and allows me to make connections with some amazing people.

In spite of all that, I wouldn’t be human if I didn’t take those moments to let it all out. In my case, sometimes I keep everything tucked away until it all comes out at once. During this “stay at home” order, our family has undergone so much change and I have found it more important than ever to be strong and make sure both my husband and kids are okay and getting through this in the best way possible. Sometimes when that happens, I bottle everything up until I have my moments to release.

Last Friday night, I was sitting watching TV enjoying some peaceful time to myself. Nothing bad had happened that day and I was trying to watch lighthearted shows and movies but for whatever reason, I just had a good cry at the weight of everything happening around us. The next day I had a 2 hour conversation with my best friend and the combination of the two just put me back in a better place.

I’m here to tell you that being strong and positive is great. It is what drives me if I’m being honest but it’s also okay to release your sadness, anger and frustration at everything that’s been taken away from us. I know that someday we will be back to normal but, for now, missing out on so many traditions is that much harder when my time with my teens is limited.

I hope you always know that every blog post I write and photo caption on Instagram comes straight from my heart and my true feelings that day. I enjoy lifting other’s up and I hope I help contribute to that a little each day. I pray for all of us that we have the strength and courage to get through both the good days and the bad days. And on those bad days, just let it all out and know that tomorrow is a new day and hopefully one step closer to getting our lives back. Have a great day friends!