"Positivity Makes Life Easier-Skylar Hyndman

"Positivity makes life easier" – Skylar Hyndman

I worked for 10 years with Community Living in Tillsonburg, and it was there that I met some of the most beautiful people. Some I still connect with, while others I have drifted apart from—but I hold a special place in my heart for all of the individuals I worked alongside and for.

While transitioning to a new location, I met an amazing human named Teresa. Teresa and I had only worked together for a couple of weeks before the most unthinkable tragedy happened in her life. Her daughter, Skylar, was in a car accident and sadly did not make it. She was only 19 years old—just one month shy of her 20th birthday.

A tragedy no mother should ever have to endure… and yet, Teresa turned that tragedy into a beautiful legacy.

Every year, she celebrates Skylar’s birthday. She has created a beautiful memorial at the accident site that she lovingly decorates and cares for. In the summer, she has even hosted butterfly releases in Skylar’s memory. It is in these moments that I am reminded that Skylar’s beautiful soul truly lives on every single day through others.

So, this is how this quote came into my life.

Skylar was wise far beyond her years in the short time she had on this earth. And honestly, even though I never met her, I felt—deep down—like I knew her. It may sound crazy, right? But even 13 years later, her quote is still part of my everyday life.

I end my work emails with it. I say it to people I meet. I say it to myself when I need to breathe, reset, and focus on my blessings. It’s written in little places throughout my life.

I am a firm believer that everything happens for a reason, and I truly believe that Teresa and Skylar were meant to come into my life. I was meant to live this quote and carry on its legacy… for Skylar.

So, what does “Positivity makes life easier” mean to me, and how do I practice it every day?

Here’s how.

I keep the quote in my email signature, so every message I send shares that light with someone. I’ve written it in books, on whiteboards, and it sits beside my bed. It has become a mantra in my daily life.

When things feel negative—or when I feel negative energy from those around me—I make a point to say the quote out loud.

My husband, Dave, has heard it a million times—especially when he’s feeling a little grumpy or stuck in a tough situation. He knows I’m naturally a “positive pants” kind of person, so when he unloads the negativity of his day, I usually try to help him see the brighter side… whether he likes it or not

(He’s a good man.)

This quote has also helped me set boundaries in my life.

For example, there are people I encounter who seem to live in a constant state of negativity. And for someone like me, that energy can be draining very quickly. So I allow myself small doses around that energy—and yes, I still gently remind them, “Positivity makes life easier,” even when they’re focused on everything going wrong.

Because here’s the truth—we all have negative things in our lives. We all face challenges. But it’s where we choose to sit, and what energy we choose to surround ourselves with, that truly sets us apart.

I choose to acknowledge the negative… and then shift my focus to the many beautiful blessings that flow through my life.

That’s how I choose to remain a positive pants.

So when you’re facing negativity or going through a tough situation, acknowledge it—but don’t let it stay at the forefront of your mind or your being.

Bring forward the positive.

Bring forward your blessings—even the small ones.

A smile from a child.

A hug from someone you love.

A warm cup of coffee.

There is so much goodness in your life. And when you choose to focus on it, when you allow it to take center stage, I promise you—it truly does make life easier.

I challenge you to write down three things you are grateful for every single day for one month. Seeing it on paper will help you realize just how much positivity already exists in your life.

So thank you, Skylar, for being such a beautiful angel.

And Teresa—thank you for allowing me to share a piece of your wise and incredible daughter.

With light and love,

Jackalynn Westman

Water Lilly Holistic Healing