The Answer Key

It does us no justice to dwell on the negative or squander away precious time on negative people. While we are human and are very much entitled to our feelings when they are hurt, disappointed, or rejected it should be your goal to be powered by a positive perspective. Instead of dwelling on the problem, mishap, or dreadful circumstance, focus your energy on the solution if there is one, and when there is not, find acceptance as quickly as possible. No matter how awful life may seem at the very least your circumstance was meant to grow and teach you. You will ultimately benefit from every experience if you take away the lesson you are suppose to gain from it. A positive perspective puts a spin on any negativity smothering it thus lessening its affect on you. Smile more often, think pleasant thoughts, watch a funny movie, whatever you need to do to stay in the best and most positive place possible, get to it. We are all on borrowed time, why waste any of it under a storm cloud? Be your

Sometimes it is very hard to find inspiration, motivation, or drive. It is not nearly as hard to find an excuse as to why something will not work out in your best interest, favor, or for your own good. We all are torn with decisions everyday; what to do now, what we should have done already, and what we will do tomorrow. There is nothing more frustrating than defeat, failure, and disappointment except regret. While we can be our own worst enemy and the very ones standing in our own way, we can also decide to do better.Whether it is with your job, relationship, or self-improvement, conquering goals is much harder when we lack the key tools to achieving them. The first key is commitment. Once you commit to something and put it on your priority list; you will get to it. When something becomes a priority it earns your undivided attention and dedication. You will give it your time repeatedly. There is always something else you could be doing with your time, but you will choose to make your

Recently, I began to ponder, what if everyone was just a little more grateful? What if, as adults, we all were working toward being more appreciative of the things and people we have in our lives? What would happen to the relationship that was broken if both parties forced themselves to recall the ways their partner has been a blessing to their life? What if you took a moment to recollect on the many kind words, gifts just because, and thoughtful acts your partner has given you? What would you feel? I referred to a simple affirmation "Put some gratitude in your attitude" -I have been known to repeat that phrase to my boys for some time now. As children who are still growing, learning, and establishing their moral, value, faith, and character building blocks through every firsthand experience, I want them to have this phrase built into their being. A sign, for me, that I have done my job as their mother very much depends in part on their gratitude and the outward expression of