Look, if the power of positivity required being calm, centred, and deeply zen at all times, 99% of single mums would’ve been disqualified years ago. (And honestly? Fair enough.) Thankfully, the power of positivity isn’t about becoming a walking Pinterest quote—it’s about letting yourself breathe, soften, and find moments of ease in a life that asks a lot of you.

In this article, we will explore the benefits of cultivating a positive mindset and shed light on the simple, practical ways such a mindset can be achieved. 

And if part of you still feels unsure, that’s okay too. You might find it helpful to read our blog piece, “Overcome Negative Mind Limitations; Shifting Your Perspective Matters”, for a deeper look at why your inner narrative holds more power than it gets credit for.

What Power of Positivity Really Means

Power of positivity is not about being a constant ray of sunshine, denying negative emotions, or avoiding unpleasant experiences. Instead, it is about choosing to focus on the positive and cultivate a more optimistic outlook, despite the struggles we are faced with.

In addition, it is also:

• The practice of focusing on the good things in your life and learning from the negative.
• Intentionally shifting thoughts away from self-deprecating and belittling, and simply being mindful of your life’s aspects. 
• Observing our world, gratefully accepting what is in it, and then consciously acting positively to improve our situation.

The ability to draw lessons from our experiences or identify positive aspects of ourselves can be a potent tool. One that can make or break your mental growth as you face the challenges in all areas of life, from your relationships to your professional goals.

A Quick Note on Toxic Positivity

While positive thinking can be a powerful tool, it’s important to note that there is a difference between healthy positivity and toxic positivity. 

• Toxic positivity involves denying or minimising negative emotions and can be harmful in the long run.
• Healthy positivity involves acknowledging negative emotions. Then dust yourself off and move on with a focus on the positive aspects of your life and the constructive ways you can improve your future.

Remember, it’s essential to allow yourself to feel and process negative emotions rather than trying to push them away with false positivity. 

How Does Positive Thinking Actually Support Your Well-Being

Positive thinking can have a powerful impact on our lives, both mentally and physically. Studies documented in health newsletters, like the National Institutes of Health, have shown that positive thinking can:

• Reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety.
• Improve self-esteem and confidence
• Boost motivation and creativity
• Improve physical health by reducing stress and inflammation
• Enhance social relationships and communication skills
• Increase resilience and ability to cope with challenges.

By focusing on the positive or reframing the negative aspects of our lives, we can better cope with challenges and setbacks. We’re also more likely to take well-calculated risks in pursuing our goals, leading to tremendous success and fulfilment.

And if this kind of mindset still feels unfamiliar, that’s completely okay. Like any new habit, it might feel a bit awkward at first. But with gentle, consistent practice, these shifts will start to feel more natural—little by little becoming part of how you move through the world.

Practical Ways To Invite More Positivity Into Your Life

Positivity doesn’t grow from forcing yourself to “look on the bright side.” It grows from small, steady choices—tiny shifts in how you think, speak to yourself, and move through your day. 

Think of these tools as gentle invitations rather than tasks. Use what fits, leave what doesn’t, and let each step be as small as it needs to be.

Cognitive Positivity Tools

1. Gratitude

One tool for boosting positivity is gratitude. Practising gratitude involves intentionally focusing on the things you’re thankful for in your life. This can be done through simple activities, such as:

• Writing down three things you’re grateful for each day.
• Reflecting on what you appreciate about your life.

Focusing on the positive aspects of your life will naturally allow you to feel more optimistic and content. The SMW Gratitude Journal is a ready-to-print companion for our subscribers, giving you a calm, easy way to bring more gratitude into your day.

2. Mindfulness

Another tool for cultivating positivity is mindfulness. Mindfulness is simply being present with what’s happening right now without judging yourself for it. It helps you catch the thoughts that drain you and gently replace them with ones that support you. Over time, this creates more calm, more clarity, and more control over your inner world.

3. Visualisation

Pairing mindfulness with visualisation can take your practice to another level. Visualisation involves imagining yourself achieving your goals and experiencing positive outcomes. 

Moreover, you can build confidence and motivation by visualising your future as you want. This helps you make decisions and take actions that lead to achieving your goals in real life.

4. Positive Self-Talk

Positive self-talk is a different technique for boosting positivity and resilience. It involves catching yourself and intentionally replacing negative thoughts with more positive ones. 

For example, if you think, “I’ll never be able to do this,” you can reframe the thought by saying, “I may struggle with this at first, but I’m capable of learning and improving.”

On particularly challenging days when the mind wants to keep returning to the bleakness, a positive mantra or affirmation can redirect the thoughts from automatic negativity. SMW’s affirmation PDFs can help you start if you want a little inspiration.

Actionable Positivity Tools

1. Surround Yourself with Supportive Voices

You don’t need to banish every negative person from your life. But easing the time you spend around draining energy can make a difference. Seek out the people who lift you, even subtly. Share moments with friends, family, or other single mums who get it. Like the friendly lot in the Single Mum Vine, the Beanstalk Mums FB group.

2. Expand Your Circles 

Seek out friends and family who are supportive and uplifting, and spend time engaging in activities that make you feel good. If you do not have such people, consider expanding your social circles. 

For example, look for in-person meet-ups, school or child care playgroups, and find a mentor or counsellor who can support you when you struggle most.

3. Seek Support that Truly Understands You

Sometimes the real power of positivity begins with feeling truly seen by someone who understands your world. A one-hour Power Session at Single Mama Way offers calm, one-on-one support to help you steady your thoughts and rebuild your confidence in practical, doable ways.

However, if you prefer to work through things privately and at your own pace, our DIY e-course Reset & Reflect gives you the same compassionate tools in a format you can dip into whenever life allows. Both pathways are designed to help you feel lighter, clearer, and far less alone as you grow.

Conclusion: Embracing The Power Of Positivity In Your Own Way

The power of positivity isn’t about forcing yourself to be cheerful or pretending the hard moments don’t exist. It’s about permitting yourself to take small, gentle steps toward a kinder inner world. Even the tiniest mindset shift can make your days feel a little lighter and your confidence a little stronger.

You don’t have to change everything at once. Let positivity be something you return to in your own time, in your own way—because you deserve a life that feels steady, hopeful, and deeply yours.

Single Mama Elle

Elle is our compassionate single mum counsellor, dedicated to guiding fellow mamas through life's challenges. With a heartfelt commitment to transforming obstacles into opportunities, Elle provides empathetic support and practical guidance to her clients. As a single mother herself, she intimately understands the daily struggles and joys of single parenthood. Outside of counselling sessions, Elle finds rejuvenation in nature walks and yoga practice, nurturing her own well-being to better support others. Through her counselling practice, Elle aims to instil unwavering belief in single mums, empowering them to navigate life's journey with resilience and optimism.

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