"Life is ten percent what happens to me and ninety percent how I react to it." ~ Charles Swindoll

Even on days when I wake up and things don't feel so good, I say a word of gratitude for a new day.  My mantra, which I say every morning and sometimes throughout the day is:

I begin this day with the wisdom to trust that I am profoundly loved and supported by the Universe, that it's infinite power lives all around me and is the light within me.

We all have problems, but no matter how bad they are, there is always something to be thankful for and there is always someone else who has it worse.  It's not what you think has been taken away from you that counts, it's what you choose to do with what is left.  Happiness doesn't come from not having any problems, it comes from the way you deal with the problems.  What will your focus be on...the good things in your life, or will you only dwell on the bad.  

When it comes to living a good life, attitude is everything.  I've heard that for as long as I can remember and I was always irritated when my mother used to say it,  but now I know how true it is.  A positive attitude will allow you to look at what you have that is good instead of what is missing.  After all, you can't live a positive life, if you only think negative thoughts.  Be aware of your thoughts and purposely choose to let the thoughts go that don't serve you.  It's about perception.  You can look with your eyes, but what you see is colored by your perception.  Everyone can look at the same things and come to different conclusions.  You can however choose to see the good in things through gratitude and appreciation. 

Find the strength to laugh every day, find the courage to be yourself and make others smile with your kind words,  Stop stressing about things that you can't change.  Love with all your heart, keep going even on the days when it's hard.  Keep growing every day, moving forward one step at a time, toward your dreams and desires...especially on the days when it feels hard.  

 I believe we all have an inner guidance system and that we live in a Universe filled with love.  The choice is to see the love and enjoy the journey, remembering that, tomorrow never comes, because it's always today.  Make the most of your today.