When Staying Lifted Gets Hard

"This staying lifted S#%t gets hard", the exact phrasing from a dear friend of mine, enlightened me recently, and it really made me think. I’m known for keeping spirits high—I even write a newsletter called Stay Lifted. But when life hits you with wave after wave of setbacks, how do you keep that energy up?

How do you manage when the weight feels crushing? We still encourage people to “stay lifted,” but is that always realistic? It got me wondering about how others navigate life’s ups and downs, the in-betweens, the moments where staying lifted feels nearly impossible. And yet, despite it all, the answer is always the same as the sunrise in my photo represents: I stay lifted; what's the alternative?

"We are a resilient people, but, to echo my friend, this 'staying lifted' S#%T does get hard sometimes."        

Here are three ways I try to remain centered and focused, maybe it can help you:

Hold a “Presence Pulse Check” – I take a moment to tune into my own energy, like checking my own pulse. I ask myself, “Where am I mentally right now?” I don’t judge it; I just notice. Sometimes, simply acknowledging my current state without trying to fix it helps lift the pressure to always be “up” and gives me the room to reset naturally.

Embrace the Art of “Micro-Lifts” – Staying lifted doesn’t mean I always aim for big gestures of positivity. Instead, I find tiny “micro-lifts” throughout my day—a song that makes me feel seen, a 30-second stretch (I'm preaching to myself here), even a favorite quote saved on my phone. These little anchors help keep me steady without forcing positivity.

Create a “To-Feel List” – I shift my focus from a to-do list to a “to-feel list (this is a new sabbatical thing I've incorporated).” I pick three emotions I want to feel today (like peace, strength, or gratitude) and let them guide my actions. By focusing on how I want to feel rather than what I want to accomplish, I can stay lifted in a way that feels authentic to where I am.

Stay Lifted, but if you can't -- just BE.

Monique LaRue