Outfit details: | Overalls: Madewell (size up) | T-shirt: Madewell | Bandana: Madewell |  Shoes: Allbirds

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I have been thinking about the power of positive talk a lot lately. A few weeks ago I casually said to Eric that I’d never be as good or as successful as a friend of mine without really thinking too hard about it. It felt matter of fact. Eric looked at me and sighed, “That’s the saddest thing you’ve said in a long time”…

I was shocked. Almost offended. What do you mean, SAD? And then I realized what he was saying. I was doubting myself before I even tried something and the saddest part about it was the doubt came naturally. Almost as if it was ingrained in me. How can I be great at something if I don’t believe I can be in the first place? How can I have any success in my life if I lack confidence?

Have you ever thought about taking the can’ts, won’ts, nevers, and don’ts out of your sentences? Changing your conversations by turning your negativity into positivity? CAN, WILL, SOMEDAY, DO. I swear it has a profound impact on your self confidence and your relationship with both yourself and those around you! Instead of saying I can’t, think about whether or not you actually can or cannot do something. Can implies ability. Will implies choice. Then think about a way to reframe your thoughts using positive affirmations.

Re-phrasing:

I don’t look good in bright colors to I prefer neutral tones.

I can’t talk right now to I can talk later.

I’m not great at listening to I am more of a visual learner.

You get the point.

I had a few set backs recently that left me with two choices. I thought about Maya Angelou’s philosophy: If you don’t like something, change it. If you can’t change it, change your attitude. I could wallow in my self-pity or I could use those set backs to my advantage and pick myself up. Turn a loss into a win by learning from it and making myself better.

I can. I will. I am able…

I have decided to be more mindful of the conversations I have in my head and start my days with a better attitude. I’m reminding myself of my talents and positive qualities: I am kind; I am smart; I work hard; I am creative; I am passionate.  I’m surrounding myself with people who bring out the best in me. I’m looking at myself in the mirror now and saying, Meg, you’ve got this. I want The Autumn Girl to be a little place on the internet where you can find inspiration and motivation to be your best self. And it has to start with me, believing in MYself! So sticky notes on the mirror with important self-love tips are in order. And if you’re a quote junky like I am, here are a few uplifting reminders:

“Once you replace negative thoughts with positive ones, you’ll start having positive results” -Willie Nelson

“In order to carry a positive action we must develop here a positive vision” -Dalai Lama

“Positive thinking will let you do everything better than negative thinking will” -Zig Zigler

“Attitude is a little thing that makes a big difference” -Winston Churchill

“Perpetual optimism is a force multiplier” -Colin Powell

“Life isn’t about finding yourself. Life is about creating yourself.” – George Bernard Shaw

“If you hear a voice within you say ‘you cannot paint,’ then by all means paint, and that voice will be silenced.” — Vincent van Gogh

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*photos by Madeline Harper

SHOP THE POST:

These overall shorts are MY FAVE and you can see me wearing them at 27 weeks pregnant here (in Jackson Hole). I highly recommend sizing up because these are tight at the hips. I’m wearing a size medium for reference. Also, I mentioned this before but these shoes are beyond comfortable and made of light wool. I’m obsessed and the brand is pretty cool too.

Here’s to thinking positive thoughts and giving ourselves that extra pat on the back when we need it. I love you guys!

-XO-

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