Update: The winners for this giveaway are:
If you’re a fan of uplifting, action-oriented blog posts, you may have stumbled upon Positively Present at some point in time.
I “met” the site’s founder, Dani DiPirro, around the time I started Tiny Buddha. Over time, I grew to admire her dedication, both to personal development and her blog.
Since 2009, she’s shared countless helpful, inspiring posts, empowering readers to live mindfully and positively in the face of life’s inevitable challenges.
Now she’s preparing to launch a new book, The Positively Present Guide to Life, which offers practical ideas to enhance our home life, work, and relationships for an all-around happier, more fulfilled life.
I’m grateful that Dani took the time to answer some questions about herself and her book, and that she’s provided two copies for Tiny Buddha readers.
The Giveaway
To enter to win one of two free copies:
- Leave a comment sharing one thing that always helps you stay positive.
- For an extra entry, tweet: Enter the @tinybuddha giveaway to win a free copy of The Positively Present Guide to Life http://bit.ly/17oIQDY
You can enter until midnight PST on Friday, February 27th.
The Interview
1. Tell us a little bit about yourself and your blog, Positively Present.
I’m an author, blogger, and designer living in a suburb of Washington, DC. In 2009, when I was at a particularly low point in my life—I didn’t love my job, my relationship status wasn’t ideal, and I was struggling a lot to feel happy—I launched PositivelyPresent.com with the intention of documenting my journey toward a more positive and present life.
In 2012, I left my full-time job in Marketing to pursue a career as a blogger and writer. While working to create a beautiful online space for my readers, I discovered how much I loved illustrating and graphic design.
Last year, I launched my design studio, Twenty3, where I work with individuals and business to create modern, uplifting design. My love of design and my desire to help myself and others live more positive, present lives comes together in my latest book, The Positively Present Guide to Life, which pairs inspiring illustrations with action-oriented advice for living a more positive, more present life.
2. What inspired you to write The Positively Present Guide to Life, and how does it differ from your blog?
Books have been my greatest teachers, and I love the tangibility of them of in our digital world. I’ve learned so much about life—and about myself—from books, and writing The Positively Present Guide to Life was the best way I could think of to take the lessons I’ve learned from PositivelyPresent.com and explore them at a deeper level.
And my blog has inspired this book in another way: all my advice here is presented in easy-to-follow lists, to make sure this guide is as simple to use and as practical as possible.
3. What have you found to be the biggest obstacles to being positive and present—and how have you overcome them?
One of the biggest obstacles for being positive and present can be other people. Just because you’re trying to live a more positive, present life, that doesn’t mean that those around you are striving for the same thing, and the negativity of others can be draining.
Overcoming this can be difficult if it’s not possible to avoid negative people. If possible, I’ve found it helps to limit your interactions with them. If that’s not an option, I recommend reminding yourself that you do not have to be ruled by others’ moods or attitudes. Even when others are negative, you can choose to focus on the positive and to stay in the moment.
4. I think there’s a misconception that “be positive” means “don’t ever feel bad.” What are your thoughts on this?
This is definitely a huge misconception when it comes to positivity. It’s for this reason, in fact, that I focus on positivity rather than happiness.
When you are happy, you are in a state where you don’t feel bad and when even the not-so-great things seem bearable. Positivity, on the other hand, is not about putting on rose-colored glasses and pretending that everything is okay. It’s about accepting whatever’s happening in your current situation and trying to make the most of it.
No matter how difficult the situation, it’s possible to find something of value—even if the value is only that you’re getting stronger by going through difficulties.
5. In Chapter One of your book, you talk about creating a positive home. What advice would you give to someone who wants to create a positive home but lives with people who are often negative?
Living with negative people can really challenge efforts to live a more positive, present life, but there are things you can do to make the most of the situation.
I’ve dedicated an entire section of my book to this topic because I believe it’s something many people encounter. Even if people at home are generally positive, we all have our bad days (or weeks!). When dealing with negativity at home, I recommend trying your best to speak with love, and not to mirror the tone or attitude of those who are in a negative state of mind.
This can be difficult (we tend to react in a way that mirrors others), but choosing loving words and tone can make a huge difference.
Also, it’s important to try not to take others’ negativity personally. Often, stress and negativity between cohabitants is a result of issues that take place outside of the home (such as work), and it can be helpful to consider that another’s negative reaction or snippy tone might be related to something that has nothing to do with you.
6. In the next chapter, you talk about being positively present at work. What do you think is the most important thing someone can do to stay positive and present when they’re not happy at their job?
Even if you don’t love your job, you can learn from it. Any job offers the opportunity to learn how to cooperate with and overcome challenges.
Being around others—some you like, some you don’t—teaches important people skills, from how to collaborate, negotiate, and compromise with those who view things differently, to how to get a job done with someone who would rather chat away the day.
Processing so many viewpoints and opinions from coworkers opens our eyes to new ways of thinking. If you like your industry but not your position, you can also learn a lot by talking to those you admire or who hold positions you aspire to.
7. In the chapter on relationships, you talk about learning to say no. Why is this so important to staying positive and present?
There are many reasons why saying no, negative as it sounds, can be a more positive response. For example, it might save you from having to spend time with people who bring negativity into your life, or it might ensure that you don’t overload your schedule.
It can also strengthen relationships because it lets other people know you have boundaries and will enforce them. It helps others know where they stand—and if they don’t cross the line, your relationship is all the more positive for it.
Keep in mind: when you say no to one thing, you’re really saying yes to something more worthy of your time and energy.
8. What do you think is the most essential habit for staying positive and present?
One of the most essential habits for living a positive, present life is to cultivate gratitude. No matter how difficult a situation, there is always something to be grateful for. It’s very difficult to be negative or distracted from the moment when you’re focusing on what you have to be thankful for.
9. What’s the main message you hope people take from your book?
When people read my book, I hope they’ll realize how important a shift in attitude can be. It can transform all aspects of your life, from home to work to relationships to love to how you cope with change.
I hope readers will see that, even if positivity and mindfulness doesn’t come easily to them, with the right tactics and inspiration, it’s possible to cultivate a positive attitude and stay in the moment more often.
I’m not a naturally positive person and I work hard at staying positive and present. If I can do it, anyone can—and I hope this book will inspire readers to see that they, too, can live more positive, present lives.
You can learn more about The Positively Present Guide to Life (and pre-order a copy) on Amazon.
FTC Disclosure: I receive complimentary books for reviews and interviews on tinybuddha.com, but I am not compensated for writing or obligated to write anything specific. I am an Amazon affiliate, meaning I earn a percentage of all books purchased through the links I provide on this site.
About Lori Deschene
Lori Deschene is the founder of Tiny Buddha. She started the site after struggling with depression, bulimia, c-PTSD, and toxic shame so she could recycle her former pain into something useful and inspire others to do the same. You can find her books, including Tiny Buddha’s Gratitude Journal and Tiny Buddha’s Worry Journal, here and learn more about her eCourse, Recreate Your Life Story, if you’re ready to transform your life and become the person you want to be.
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Though I run this site, it is not mine. It's ours. It's not about me. It's about us. Your stories and your wisdom are just as meaningful as mine. 
I can always count on my husband of 31 years to keep me positive and see the brighter side of issues. I hope I do the same for him! We all need at least one person in our lives that we can share our thoughts, problems, and successes with…my husband is the one I count on!
Thinking about my family!
One thing that helps me stay positive is reaching out to people – friends, family, or even just the cashier at the grocery store. Connecting with others gets me out of my isolated headspace (which tends to get stuck in negative self-talk loops if left alone for too long).
Anna B. (lumpy_lump_in_my_oatmeal@yahoo.com)
The biggest things that helps me stay positive are keeping a daily gratitude journal, accepting things as they are, and forgiveness (of self and others). I love Positively Present!
Reminding myself that all the little “problems” or “annoyances” that pop up in my life are nothing but a challenge I need to experience in order to level-up to the next stage of my Buddhism practice!
I’m rather pessimistic person but I really want to be possitive.It isn’t easy in a daily bases but I try to do my best.My way to be more positive is to choose positive people around me who will help me be like them.I also try to be present and thankfull for things that I get in my life. Finding tinnybuddha site also was also big step to optymistic,positive life so thank You for it too.
I remember a few years back I worked with a very difficult chef. One particular day I found myself struggling to deal with working in what I felt was a harsh environments. One of the guests at the hotel approached me and after learning about my worries he told me I should only worry about what I could control and that has been my motto ever since. Along with this when things feel downright awful I will slow down and ask myself to list three good things surrounding my day, or situation and it often helps me to feel more positive.
sunshine :))
I would love to win a copy of this wonderful book! One thing that always helps me to stay positive is spending time with my dogs – they are always full of joy and love no matter what – being around them makes me laugh and brings me so much happiness.
What a great giveaway. What helps me stay positive is practicing gratitude and not avoiding things….I live try to live fully through each experience learning and growing and connecting back to my inner happiness.
I LOVE Positively Present! That website, along with Tiny Buddha, were the inspiration to start my Tumblr focused on positive things in the universe (aka my happy place!). I would love to win a copy of this book!
My mantra for the past few years has been “Think Positively, Be Positive, Reflect Positivity” and this always helps me to stay positive. I believe it all starts with a positive mindset (“Think Positively”). Promise yourself that no matter what obstacles are in your way, you will face them with a clear and positive mind. When you think positively, it effects everything else about you – your physical health, the way you feel, the way that you act & speak, and they way that you interact with others. Then you ARE positivity (“Be Positive”). When you are positvity, you can then radiate that love and spread the good vibes (“Reflect Positivity)!
Since reading the principles of the Laws of Attraction, I realize I have a choice to be positive. If I feel myself moving to a place of negativity, I quickly shift my thoughts. I use a journal to process the negative feelings to make sure I am “feeling my feelings” and not internalizing them.
I think of the people who have come into my life and the lessons I have learned from bad experiences.
Trying to keep things in perspective helps keep me positive.
Music
I remind myself that a moment of pain lasts as long as a moment of joy if I take each moment as it comes.
Thinking about my fiance’e and how much she means to me and that what I do also affects her.
If I find myself being negative, I stop, take a breath, and turn the dialogue, whether internal or out loud, in a new direction. Sometimes I need to get up and walk for a few minutes to get a negative thought out of my head. Essentially just try to find any amount of good. (I’m upset/angry/nervous? Hey, at least I took a walk and got some exercise!)
Consciously talking to myself like I’d talk to my best friend, or to my niece (depending on what the situation demands). It really helps!
Being outdoors. Especially by the sea or on a mountain or in a forest
My friends and my boss help me stay positive the most–I have a hard time not being too critical of myself–it’s something I have to work on a lot still.
I take a gratitude check, sort of like an audit, and say out loud or even quietly, anything and everything I am grateful for. It helps with perspective and can shift a sour mood into a pleasant experience.
I live in the present moment to help me stay positive, as all we have is the present moment and I might as well make mine a good one :))
Challenging negative thoughts and trying to think positive
Remembering how much my life has changed in recent years and how much worse things can be
An early morning run on a sunny day
I let myself feel how I feel, good and bad. I don’t always act on it, but feeling the scope of my emotions is important. It allows me to figure myself out and get back to center.
I try to stay positive by remembering the impermanence of all things. Everything will pass and change — good and bad.
I stay positive by watching something that makes me laugh on TV or listening to my favorite music
One thing that always helps me stay positive: reading Mike Dooley’s Notes from the Universe every weeknight.
I keep my head up and remain positive by thinking of Nick Vujicic and his remarkable life. He has no arms or legs and yet he continues to live a fuller, more beneficent life than anyone I’ve ever known.
focusing on all the good things in my life that I am grateful for vs. focusing on the negative elements helps keep me in a positive mindset
I try to breathe and reframe my negative thoughts into positive thoughts. When all else fails…CHOCOLATE! 🙂
I try to remember “action cures fear”. I can worry or do, and try to choose action, even if small, especially if dreaded.
I do meditation and prayers to stay positive. My animals also keep me in a positive light.
What a wonderful site! Thanks for introducing me to Positively Present. I keep a daily gratitude list to help me keep things in perspective when I’m feeling down. Referring to this list always keeps me positive.
One thing that helps me stay positive, is to look for any ‘exception’ to my negative thoughts/beliefs. Finding even just one exception helps me feel more positive about life! (ie – thinking that all men are players- I look for at least one man who isn’t a player) 🙂
What helps me stay positive is knowing nothing will last forever. I make the most of the good times, and know bad times will pass.
Good or bad “this too shall pass” and there is always a lesson to be learned which enables personal growth and presents opportunity to be better tomorrow than you were today.
My clients! Its great for me when they’re being positive too but when they’re down, they need me to help point them back toward the sunshine!
My yoga always keeps my positive. My breath is my savior.
Having faith that everything will work out helps me stay positive. A hardship has its rewards.
The adage “this too shall pass” always pops into my head when facing negative situations. When dealing with negative people I try to appreciate that they are probably being the best person they can be at this point and silently wish them all the best life can offer and minimise contact if an option. Like Dani’s take on being positively present at work, makes it sound much more like an opportunity than a chore.
Gratitude – starting with the basic – the earth that supports my weight, water from the tap, heat to gratitude for the loving people and animals in my life. so much!
I have a list of dreams and looking at it gives me strength to stay positive!
I think about how grateful I am for all that I have and I make a mental list of what I can do to help others.
One thing that always makes me stay positive is celebrating every day I wake up is another day for me to live my life.
There are several things in my life that keep me positive, but trail running is high on that list. Being in nature, breathing, pushing my limits and letting my mind roam free.
Art journals! I love the mess and creativity from it.