If you’re happy and you know it, you might be Stephanie Fleming. As the co-founder and “Happiness Ambassador” of Me & My Big Ideas, Stephanie helps create the brand’s optimistic daily planners, journals, and stickers… and she’s made a career of helping people find their bliss. But sometimes feeling great every morning is easier said than done, so how does Stephanie spread real sunshine? We asked her.

As your company’s “Happiness Ambassador,” do you ever find it difficult to practice what you preach?
I do. I am totally addicted to social media and I feel a pressure to be a spokesperson for the company and brand that I love so much. But despite my title, I’m not always happy. Sometimes I struggle… I try to be honest with myself, and I think being able to show up as I am has allowed me to connect with other people.

What helps you stay centered and feeling good?
1. Active journaling to help release stress.
2. Meditating, which really helped me to center myself and find clarity.
3. Now, I’m focusing more on sleep. I’m actually a really good sleeper, but I’m trying to do things at night that allow me to wind down. 

What’s your wellness weakness?
It’s really hard for me to develop a routine. It’s also hard to stick to the things that I know are good for me. I make really bad decisions on the fly, so building a routine is key. 

How has your relationship with wellness changed over the last 10 years?
It was non-existent ten years ago. I was a young mom, and married young, and I spent most of my life thinking my job was to take care of others. Self-care has given me permission to take care of me. Now I know that I’m worthy. I know that I’m powerful. It  has changed my world completely. 

How does mental health fit into your wellness journey?
I don’t process negative emotions very well. I learned that through journaling. During the day, if I notice that I’m getting anxious, I will do breathing exercises and check in with myself to try and release tension. I also try to pay attention to how and why I’m feeling a certain way.

How many hours of sleep do you get a night? 
I’m actually tracking this now. I used to think I was getting so much sleep, but I was actually just counting how much time [I was] in bed. So, I used to be getting around 6 hours each night and I’m closer to 7 now. My goal is to get 8. To help, I’ve tried to cut out wine before bed because while it makes me sleepy right away, the quality of sleep I get is worse.

What fad wellness trends have you tried?
I grew up in the ‘80s, so I’ve tried every diet there was. I love that we’re moving away from how we look and focusing more on how we feel. 

What’s your favorite indulgence?
Going to the spa. I would give up literally anything if I could get massages every day. I guess it is technically good for you, though…