The timing of this episode is pretty ironic. I was walking home from dropping Vinnie off at school this morning and couldn’t shake this ominous, anxious feeling. I was thinking about some projects I have coming up and had these little wee bits of self-doubt creeping in. Then I popped on to social media to see that the entire rest of the world 100% had their lives figured out on this Monday morning and my wee bits of self-doubt blossomed into a rapid onset of Comparisonitis. A few hours later, I sat down to look at my content calendar and see that I’m supposed to talk to you all about positive thinking today. Haha. I see you Universe - just smiling down on me…  So, here’s the thing. Positive thinking is a critically important coping skill and the advantages of positive thinking cannot be overstated. But those of us who tout it certainly are not incapable of waking up with a case of the Mondays, as I did today. The power of positive thinking is that you can use it as a tool to navigate a tough moment or as a way to ground yourself #everydamnday. It can be a cornerstone of your life if you so choose.   When it comes to the long-term integration of positive thinking as a coping skill, the advantages of positive thinking become glaring and beautifully evident. In fact, there are 5 advantages of positive thinking that are especially impactful across your lifetime.  5 Advantages of Positive Thinking: Resiliency and grit More rewarding personal and professional lives Enhanced relationships and kindness toward others Improved physical health, esp heart health and immunity Decreased symptoms of depression and anxiety* *This is definitely not to suggest that positive thinking is a treatment for clinical depression or anxiety. We talk this through in the episode. If you are experiencing symptoms of depression or anxiety, please talk to your doctor.  In this episode, I talk you through 5 advantages of positive thinking and 4 ways to use positive thinking as routine coping skills in your daily life.  Thank you to our sponsors this month: Fearless Finance: Get on-demand, comprehensive financial planning by the hour without all the headaches, high fees, and commitments that come with traditional financial advisors. Go to fearlessfinance.com and use the code SHAMELESS to save $50 on your first planning meeting. Heather Chauvin: If you’re ready to feel energized, encouraged, present, confident, intentional, and aligned, take Heather’s Energy Finder Quiz: Heatherchauvin.com/shameless iHerb: Get your health in check with great products and great pricing. Get 22% off your first order when you use the code SHAMELESS at iherb.com.  Luvbuglearning.com: Support your child’s social-emotional learning with the world's first social-emotional gaming platform. Go to Luvbuglearning.com and sign up for a 7-day free trial, or simply download from the APP store and subscribe. Peloton: Get access to a massive workout library and save up to $400 on Bike, Tread, and Row packages before April 2, 2023, at onepeloton.com. Ritual: Ritual’s Essential for Women 18+ is a multivitamin you can actually trust. Ritual is offering my listeners 10% off during your first 3 months. Visit ritual.com/shameless10 to start Ritual or add Essential for Women 18+ to your subscription today. Rothys: For stylish, comfortable, sustainably made shoes, shop Rothy’s. Get $20 off your first purchase at rothys.com/SHAMELESSMOM.  StrollerCoaster: A Parenting Podcast!: Need another podcast in your parenting podcast library, check out StrollerCoaster: A Parenting Podcast! wherever you listen to the SMA.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices