The Answer Key

In this life, you just have to go after what you really want if you want to get it. What or who will stop you: your demanding job, your dysfunctional family, your bad back? Those are excuses for the weak, the mice. You can tuck your tail and go running scared into the murky abyss of mediocrity that makes everyone around you very comfortable with the underwhelming life they lead, or you can take control. Do what you need to do to get what you want. You already know the most important thing there is to know: nothing can keep you from what you really want if you really want it bad enough. Even if that means getting up early, before dawn, and before your alarm, even if it means staying up late, in silence with no sound or disruption but the clicking of your keyboard, burning the midnight oil until the birds chirp, do that. Nothing will stop you when you know what you want and will be damned if you do not get it. In this moment all of your attention needs to be set on your int...

Remember to be good to you. Sooner than later, send yourself an edible arrangement, pencil in some time for much needed R&R, take an impromptu trip, treat yourself to a nice dinner. Do something, anything to put a smile on your own face. In between the blood, sweat, and tears you will shed in this lifetime, remember to insert intentional joy in your life as well. Do things with the sole purpose of enjoyment, creativity, exploration, and uplifting your own spirit. Make memories worth remembering because there may come a time where memories are all you left. Make the most of the time you have right now. spend it wisely. Make sure you make time to do things for others, yes, but do what is good for you too. Do not forget to make time to do things that simply make you happy because your happiness is ultimately your responsibility. ~For more positive posts stop by  fb.me/TheAnswerKey  & tweet me  _TheAnswerKey  daily!

You have to decide that what you envision your life to be, will be, and refuse to have it any other way. Appreciate the clarity and wisdom your experiences have given you thus far. Move forward knowing that what your life unfolds, opens up, and reveals itself to be as of tomorrow is entirely up to you and the result of what you are willing to do today. You can let your past be the reason you never answer your calling and nothing will change. You will have a pretty good idea of what tomorrow and the next day will look like, or you can answer your calling today, and change yourself, change your future, and for everyone that crosses your path- change their minds. Let them see what vision looks like as a reality, what working faith looks like up close. Let your courage be the light that draws someone else closer to their dream, their best, their greatness- lead the way. ~For more positive posts stop by fb.me/TheAnswerKey & tweet me  @_TheAnswerKey daily!

Believe in yourself and your gifts. No matter what anyone else thinks, how far fetched it seems to them, how difficult, or damn near impossible others fathom it to be; know that those limitations are based on their fears, their anxiety, and previous experiences. They have nothing to do with you personally, therefore, you do not have to allow them to predict your future. You can make your tomorrows however you choose them to be.  People often like to take the moment you choose to commit to your passion to remind you of your mistakes, but rest assure that even your mistakes were only moving you closer to your dream's reality.   Who's to say today, tomorrow, or at any moment your life will not be changed forever? No one, so in living your life, spending the time you have with gratitude, passion, and compassion, let it be filled with your greatest efforts, purposeful intentions, and belief that at any moment your life will show up for you in kind. ~For more positive posts sto...

Do not let what they have to say stop you. Their limitations should not make you bitter, doubtful, or prematurely defeated. Know their words are what they have told themselves time and time again. They are not doubting you,what you can become, who you are or will be, but they are excusing themselves for not acting on the very things they did not have the courage to pursue. The limits they set for you is just them placing you in their own shoes- not the other way around. They do not have the deciding vote in your outcome. They do not get a vote at all. They do not get a say. At the end of the day, when your head hits your pillow all there is is you, and every morning you wake up is packed with opportunities to move you closer to making your vision your reality- that is all. Now, you decide, what you will do today to change your tomorrow no matter what they have to say about it. You are gifted, capable, resilient, and have every right to pursue your own greatness despite who may have fai...

Grow a great appreciation for your gifts, the obstacles, and everything in between. The precious time between teaches you how to fine tune your discernment. It helps you mentally design exactly what you really want and peeks your curiosity enough to learn what getting it requires; a necessary part of your journey that includes multiple levels of understanding, clarity, and often times humility. Be patient, pay attention to the lessons that show up on your journey, and simply be willing to put in the effort required to get, be, and do what you want. Commit. In the end, the only way you can ever fail is if you quit trying. At this point, with all the energy and time you have invested, you are too determined for that. Besides, you know every little effort counts, and based on your past experiences and choices that got you here, you already know that your focus, determination, and persistence are a lethal combination. That is the recipe for failure's cryptonite. As long as you always k...

When challenges arise, erupt, or disrupt your plans you can get discouraged. You may even let your fear take the wheel for a while, but know that you can choose to dig deep and find at your core your relentless courage, determination, and gallantry. You are resourceful so no matter what comes, you will be alright. Rest assure that what will be will surely take place- where there is a window, there is a way. Find a window or make one. Some how, some way, whatever questions you have will be answered; no matter what complications come up, they will be figured out, and your successes will multiply. Nothing is too complex for you to handle. What you can not do on your own you will certainly learn like O.J.T. or find someone who can help you, because you are humble enough to know when you need help and how to graciously accept it. Losing is not an option. In difficult times remember to take a breath, remain calm and confident, and seek the solution without dwelling on the problem. No matter ...

Choose to be in the midst of people who operate on the same wave as you do, with optimistically real goals, inspiration and aspirations that take up so much of their attention that all they can do is be in positive pursuit like you, and can not be distracted by the shouting naysayers behind them either. Learn from them, take heed in what they can offer as they journey to their own greatness, and be a supportive post for them to rest against as you would have them be for you.  Do not get tangled up in the drama, pessimism, doubt, fears, and negativity that others innately carry with them and attract. Limit those associations with those kind of people because they mostly provide very little other than distractions. Surround yourself with people who will voice their honest concerns but respect your decisions and honor your journey as your own. Be the reminder each other may need when your own voice is weak that happiness is a thought away, success is only part of the experience, the w...

Up and down every path know that you are walking into the circumstance that will best serve your future self.  All you can do is all you can do. Humbly heed the lessons to be learned, graciously bask in the pleasure and glory of victory, or bare the brunt and burden of your consequences as a result of your choices. Ultimately, everything, all of your experiences are lessons teaching you one thing or the other, either what it takes to have success, overcome challenges, or revealing to you mistakes you learn not to re-make.  Be responsible for yourself and own the choices you make. Stay  open to counsel but make choices you believe are best for you, and trust that you are strong enough to handle the outcome either way.  Make sure your vision, direction, and intention is just that- yours and know your life will unfold accordingly and in your favor.  Live you life your way and live it with no regrets. ~For more positive posts  fb.me/TheAnswerKey  & twe...

The balancing act can be difficult for even the most experienced traveler. Make sure you keep your focus on your goals, your energy positive, and maintain clarity within the intention of your thoughts and actions. Your goals can only work if you do so do what you can whenever possible to move you closer to them. Without judgement, conviction, or fear do as little or as much as you can and do it every day. Some days will be harder to do, but consider what you are doing instead of investing in your dream. Know why you do what you do when you do it especially when you are sacrificing what is in your own best interest and possibly the fruition of your dream to suit the advancement, needs, and interest of others.  Be one of your own priorities.  Remember to include you and what is important to you on your daily to do list.  Also make sure that your energy and mentality are rooted in gratitude and love for who and what you appreciate having in your life right now while in pursu...

Dreaming is one thing but achieving those dreams is another. Everyone has a dream of doing, having, or being something, but there are steps you must take to turn that dream to into an accomplishment. As the saying goes, 'nothing worth having comes easy', but there is more to the story; it is way more complex than just that. You not only have to work hard for most worthy things, but you may need, know, or be convinced that someone else has to invest in you too. You also may have multiple obligations completely unrelated to your dream, the reality or necessity of its fruition may be dire to you but not the outside world, or you may be simply lacking time. Dream chasing takes time, time you may not have much of to spare. That said, like all things, your first decision is the decision to start. Begin with a commitment and promise you know you can adhere to and invest in yourself. Set some goals, minimums, and parameters for yourself, and then start the clock. The second step to suc...

Do not be mislead, deceived , or hoodwinked by fear -pursue your greatness and stay focused on moving yourself closer to fulfilling your dreams- no matter how many fears or distractions you have, time or energy you think you do not have. Three things you should know for sure: the time passes whether your chase your dream or not, no one will believe in you before you do, no one fails without at least trying and with the understanding that failing in itself is merely a detour to learn something you should know before getting to where you are going; even that in itself is its own blessing so fear not.  Take that risk, learn your lesson, or live the life you dreamed of sooner than you thought.  If you give up now and go running away scared- you already know what the outcome is, but what happens if don't? The possibilities are endless. ~For more positive posts fb.me/TheAnswerKey & tweet me _TheAnswerKey daily!

You do not have to tell everybody what you are up to to be up to something. Stay in the flow of your passion, be patient but be relentless, and never let anyone limit you with the limitations they placed on themselves. Believe in what you have to offer the world. Know that you are extraordinary in your own right. Be confident in your ability, motivated by your faith, and not deterred by anyone else's fears. You got this, and even if things do not go exactly according to your plan you will adjust appropriately and make the best out of whatever situation that presents itself. You are prepared for the outcome because you have done nothing less than survive, thrive, and modify as often or as little as life has deemed necessary up until this point so why assume you will not, would not, or could not going forward? Your gift is yours for a reason. Trust in the magic that lies within you and your unique ability to bestow, reveal, and unleash it for all the world to see. In those magical m...

Let the good vibes run your day, seep into your thoughts, and flow out from your soul. Take a deep breath- you can not solve everything at once, and everything can not hurt you all at once either. Give yourself the opportunity to seek, find, and apply a solution, answer, response, or explanation even if it is a temporary one while you determine what the best course of action would be for a more permanent resolve. In the meantime, be grateful for time (however little of it you think you have) to process every unfortunate circumstance while you determine what act would result in the best reality for your situation to your benefit, clarity, or vindication. No matter what issues may arise or how difficult a problem may be, remain grateful for options, opportunity, and optimism. Know that there is something to be gained from your experience no matter how awful things may seem in the moment- stay positive. Be grateful for what you are meant to receive as its revelation is on its way whethe...

The best way to deal with stress is to get rid of it. Sometimes that can be easier said than done, but it is not impossible. You can benefit immensely from learning to redirect your emotional energy. Stressful situations will come and can definitely take their toll on you, but only if you allow them to. You have to learn to recognize when stress has made its way to the forefront of your experience and refocus your energy on the solution to the cause, acknowledging your limitations on the external, and reminding yourself that everything is temporary. Stress is an emotional response that can be controlled. Know that you have power and using your power to redirect your energy to a positive, productive mindset is the first step to becoming stress free. Starve your stress by amplifying your appreciation and attention on all that is good and right in your life despite the current stressful situation. Then, begin to focus less on the cause but on your effort to resolve your dilemma, ...

Some may think your dreams are too big, your goals are too high, and your nerve is unwarranted. Some may even misdirect, deter, disrespect, or dismiss your ambition, but that is too bad for them. You should know that their doubt is a reflection of their own misunderstanding of how much life will respond to you if you show up. You already know that some doors will not open even when you knock, every door that is open is not necessarily meant for you, and other knobs will turn but the door they are on will remain shut. That said, when you get to your door you will know it and will walk right through. In the meantime, your job is to find it; stay positive, stay motivation, be encouraged, and keep going. Now, i f you are looking for a genie to presto your dreams into reality- good luck. You will certainly find a good one on Broadway in Aladdin, but if you are looking for a life where your dreams start to align with your reality just get to work.   Your dreams will not work out for...

A life lived with authenticity, fun, intensity, and an open heart is a life worth living. Live your life with the intent to enjoy it. Be happy on purpose. Live in the moment, try something new, and do what you love. The doubt, the fear, the hesitation, and reluctance that vibrates off of others into your space is merely a reflection of their minimalism. Those restrictions are not your own. Do not be insulted by their limitations. They can only see at eye level. You, on the other hand, know you have a gift, desire genuinely authentic experiences, know what your purpose is or are seeking it, and intend to use it. There is nothing wrong with you expressing yourself with the motive of showing up in your own life as a presence that is living the most genuine life you can in your most natural, unique, and extraordinary way. Be an example of proof that one can live their life wholeheartedly without penalty or guilt. Give yourself credit for the small steps you take in the right direction, acc...

Never let the opinions of others define who you are. Be true to your Self. Stand in the glory of who you are, where you represent, and the sum of your experience, survival, and pure awesomeness. Who cares who can not handle it, do not get it, or have not caught on; they will never understand. Just be you. The outside's definition, distinction, or presumption of you will change anyway depending on who you ask, who you are talking to, or who assumes the position of authority on who you are. Be clear, you are the only true knower, doer, and definer of you. It is not your job to conform, constrict, or contort yourself into the box they have created. Screw that damn box. Your job is to show up as the most authentic version of yourself no matter how it derails their train of thought, expectation, deduction, or inaccurate assumption. Expose their ignorance by being you no matter what they think, believe, or say you should be, and destroy the box. ~For more positive posts stop by...

Be mindful of the convenience factor. There are people who have the convenience factor built into their fiber, their being, their consciousness, their DNA thus their convenience assessment is an automatic response that puts them personally under first consideration during decision-making time. Still, there are those that struggle with the balancing act of being or not allowing too much or too little of the convenience factor to have control over any given situation. Some people struggle with other characteristics that are built into their fiber, being, consciousness, and or DNA such as vigilante-ism, heroism, savior-ism, and fixer-ism. Their focus tends to be on the decisions and resolutions that are best for everyone first and not necessarily considering the intrusion of that decision on their own convenience as a means to that end. Everyone should be careful not to over extend themselves in either direction. Be a resource, but refuse to be taken for granted. Always remember to snatch...

No matter what yesterday had in store for you, today is a new day. Give yourself permission to forgive everyone, including yourself, for falling short. Do more to understand the lesson that life is trying to teach you through your trials and struggles. Those are there to help you grow. Anything and everything is actually an opportunity for you to shine your brightest. Find the reason for every situation to work in your favor, look for the big picture, and appreciate the blessing in every lesson. Be mindfully engaged in your own life and its direction. Make sure you make time to do the things that bring you joy on purpose. There is nothing more fulfilling than creating and cultivating joy and positivity with you in mind. Take care of your thoughts and behave like every moment was made to enhance your experience. This is your life, live it to the fullest, shine brightly, and be thankful for every chance you get to live again. ~For more positive posts stop by fb.me/TheAnswerKey & www...

Do not just think of your wishes coming true, make them happen. Wishing on stars is nice, but you still have to do your part to make the best ending for your own story. While you can play a part in the stories around you, remember to give your own the attention it deserves. It is perfectly blissful to dream about it, but then wake up and do more than just imagine it coming to fruition. Be thoughtful with clear intentions and actively pursue it. Accept who you are in the present, be helpful to others, but have your own goals for your own future. Be dedicated and committed to them, and do whatever you can today to make them happen- great and small. Do something. Remain grateful for the gifts you have and share them mindfully, generously, and purposefully while you continue to grow, mature, and develop into the best version of yourself and a living example of progress. Refuse to be distracted or overwhelmed with anybody else's stuff. Be an expression of balance, one with love to give ...

What do you want? Okay. Now, what do you really want? The good stuff. The stuff you have not even told your best friend about. The stuff that makes you blush. The one thing, place, or experience that makes you tingle all over, warms you from the inside out, and makes you smile just thinking about it. You know exactly what that is. Think about it, hold on to it, and do not be distracted. Every morning, take a few moments to focus on just that. Imagine what it would feel like to have that under your belt, off your bucket list, or living a life with that in it. Start your day off on the right foot, with it on your mind, holding your focus, and motivating you to go for it. Chase it. Put one foot in front of the other knowing that is possible and do at least a little something every day to make that happen. ~For more positive posts stop by www.twitter.com/_TheAnswerKey & fb.me/TheAnswerKey daily!

Mistakes can be hard to process, but sometimes they can not be avoided. While you have learned either via observation or experience that mistakes are going to happen; there are those that still strive for perfection. Hopefully, you are not one of them. Why? Well, surely, you have concluded at this point in your life that no matter how much anyone tries, there is no such person that is perfect. However recent, you know this for a fact so you can focus your attention not on perfection but whatever your best is. Even still, even having given your best, your best may not equate to the result, conclusion, or distinction you had hoped for but an unfortunate mistake nonetheless. When a mistake happens, there are several options going forward: you can whine, moan, regret, or suffer, or you can own your mistakes, make things right whenever possible, and most of all appreciate the experience on its own and take away from that, that which may make you better. That is all you can really ever expec...

You have the power to change your life. Start today! Do something that makes your soul come most alive, brings your dreams closer to your reality, and your bucket list shorter even by just a little bit. There is nothing more precious than the knowing that you have so much say in what does or does not manifest, cease, or continue in your life. Decide right now that you are determined to live the life you have with clear, positive intentions in your thoughts, love and gratitude in heart, and a wide smile on your face. Do something today that will brighten the rest of your tomorrows. ~For more positive posts stop by www.twitter.com/_TheAnswerKey & fb.me/TheAnswerKey daily! 

Love requires a certain amount of vulnerability that does not necessarily come naturally to everybody, but when it does, love can bubble to the surface and reveal a delicate soul full of unconscious openness- so open that its ability to regulate itself is still a young muscle. That said, if you can love like that you also have to be conscious of that muscle's unfortunate exposure and weakness. Understand that there are people that look for your kind and prey on you. All of your talents and beams of awesomeness overflow abundantly and because you are extremely generous with your gifts you must also be very careful. While it is a wonderful thought that no one would dare see your greatness for what it is and take advantage, over indulge, abuse, or empty your supply- you are mistaken. Some people will be intoxicated by your great expression of love and want so much of it that there is little left for yourself. Remember to leave room for you too. For you to really love like you want to,...

Do not let anyone under value or dismiss how you feel.  Stand firm in full embrace of your feelings while remaining in and maintaining control. Be expressive and honest without trepidation- no matter what.  You have every right to be as open and honest as the situation will allow without judgement or guilt. Just as others look for you to care about their emotional well-being extending grace, courtesy, understanding, and forgiveness in and throughout your experience with them, you and they should bare in mind your humanness as well. Whomever the other is should also note that your limitations may differ from their own and they should refrain from testing those boundaries. Everyone should avoid minimizing the validity of someone's feelings or expect to be reminded of their true value in themselves. Some people think that if you are anything but passive, dismissive, and agreeable you are not exhibiting an elevated position, but that is the mentality of one that has been misguided...

Most people's worst critic is staring at them through their own mirror. People harp on themselves about all, every, and anything they haven't done, been, seen, or accomplished. While everyone has a perfectly executed version of their plans in mind, they also often forget the humanity of it all. You must remember that the plan is a mere outline of what you anticipate happening; that is the extent of it. Now things could go accordingly, but life is full of surprises like sand on a beach. Sometimes issues get together and really pile on. No one knows all that their life will entail loaded with its unforeseen hiccups, blunders, pitfalls, and out right regrettable moments. How ever it unfolds, you have to remain resilient, have courage, and mellow out a little. Give yourself permission to experience trials and most especially a few errors. It is through those experiences you will locate your greatest growth, understanding, and humility- muscles that only strengthen through a good wo...

Live every day with more intensity, purpose, and passion and Carpe your diem.  Focusing your attention more on the present moment, making the most of it, and appreciating your list of accomplishments versus your bucket list will help you begin to live life to the fullest. Embrace your current place and circumstance for what it is, but make the most of your day, everyday building your future. Be in pursuit of fulfilling your dreams, but do not forget to enjoy the journey on your way there. Anyone who reaches "the end" of their rainbow finds a new goal waiting for them so there is no rush. Make the most of every day you are in just remember that doing so should not always consist of reviewing the many ways you 'have not (yet)' but the many ways 'you have' made the most of the moments of your life and the day you are in. In everything you do be passionate about it, let it have a true purpose in your life, and when you pour your intensity and effort in, let it ...

Keep your hopes, dreams, and the action-plan you have to achieving them close to the front of your mind daily. Give it your undivided attention as often as possible, but minimize the pressure to maneuver quickly. Go at your own pace. Make a plan and act on that plan daily, but do so with the acceptance that your place right now is likely meant to teach and prepare you to be and stay where you want to go. Have an appreciation for the place you are in currently. Understand that there is a purpose for where you are and a reason for why you are not where you would like to be. Even if you feel as if you are moving at a snail's pace, you are still going. All forward motion is progress. It all counts, and it will add up to something. Just keep going. ~For more positive posts stop by www.twitter.com/_TheAnswerKey & fb.me/TheAnswerKey daily!

From the very beginning of your day, as soon as you roll out of bed and start your morning routine, take several mindful and deep breaths. Be grateful for the natural flow of breath, your pulsating heartbeat, how natural the course is for your body to just be, and think about the goals you will accomplish today.  Some days are harder than others and will show you resistance. Tone down the magnitude life's challenges when they arise by reminding yourself of the control you do have and how you will use that to remedy, counter, or overcome your challenges instead of resting on them or allowing them to fester. Own your day, control your thoughts, smile often, stay positively driven, and all will be well. ~For more positive posts stop by www.twitter.com/_TheAnswerKey & fb.me/TheAnswerKey daily!

Keep your head up, your hopes high, energy and thoughts positive, and push forward no matter what the circumstance. Spend less time dwelling on the situation and just fix it. If that is not in your ability or responsibility, spend more of your time appreciating all of the things that bring you joy and cost you nothing while you wait. Stay positive. That is the easiest way to positively redirect your inner chatter and put a positive spin on your perspective regarding the external challenges that show up in your life. Lastly, Know that your life will always be blessed with what you can handle. What you can handle is not about stuff but what you get out of all of your experiences- good, bad, indifferent, and the 'I hope there are no pictures of this that can be used as evidence against me at a later date' stuff. Through it all, no matter what the experience is before you, you can positively endure it, learn from it, and grow into your best self. ~For more positive posts stop by ww...

Greet your day with a smile and gratitude for another day of life.  Try to make it a great day every time you get the chance. Start your steps to happiness with this understanding; the first reason to be happy is in your face as soon as you open your eyes every morning.  You have another opportunity to live your life just as well or even better than you did yesterday. In addition to that, when your happy is dwindling, redirect your thoughts. Put on some good mood music, light your favorite scented candles, take a hot bath, phone a friend ;), but most importantly, remind yourself that all trials are temporary. Something great is on its way no matter what your current circumstance may be. Pace yourself, smile through it all, and be the happiest you, you can be. ~For more positive posts stop by www.twitter.com/_TheAnswerKey & fb.me/TheAnswerKey daily!

Sometimes circumstances beyond your control can present themselves in the worst way, with the worst timing, around the wrong people. It can put you in a state of utter vulnerability. Keep that in mind when dealing with others and their issues, problems, troubles, or short-comings. Things do not always go according to your plan. That standard is the standard for everyone. Life will throw you a curveball on a whim. It can get complex, but it is your job to simplify it. If you can- do. If you won't- don't. Never mind how important you think you are. No one should be above busting some suds. This is the truth, plain and simple- here are the rules: under any circumstance, the less unnecessary clutter, chaos, chatter or confusion the better, add positivity to the situation rather than take any away, give a solution, even if it is a temporary one; help remedy the problem. You can talk about the issues and advise, but do so without the judgmental tone- everyone can use a little less of...

Arguably the three obvious actions that must be made when acquiring any distant, long-term success is to set a goal, make a plan, and put the plan into action continuously. Before that you must first dream and dream big, but more importantly, remember to take the time to appreciate what you have right now. Start every day with a smile on your face and gratitude in your heart. Acknowledge that life is imperfect and even so, you are blessed and grateful. Know what you have in the present are blessings, big and small. Consciously and actively show your appreciation for those things and do not take them for granted. Be appreciative and happy with the many ways your life has been blessed thus far in addition to seeking more. Have balance. Continue to make strides towards accomplishing your goals, but be happy with the life you live each day pouring love, gratitude, and positive energy into every moment and relationship you are blessed with. ~For more positive posts stop by fb.me/TheAnsw...

The only real limitations standing in the way of you and your dreams is your own self-doubt. Do not let fear win. Fear is your greatest adversary. Do not allow it to diminish what you have to offer. Show up everyday with determination in your heart and fire in your eyes. When it comes to your dreams, the first person that needs convincing is YOU. If you do not believe then who will? There are plenty of reasons not to, but to do it you only need one; The constant tapping on your shoulder, push on your back, strike of your finger to the keyboard when you have every reason to be doing something else. This mission is yours, but only if you accept it. Remind yourself of what you want on a daily, make attaining it apart of your mission in addition to your personal growth, compassion for others, and understanding, believe in yourself and GO GET IT! It is yours for the taking. ~For more positive posts stop by www.twitter.com/_TheAnswerKey & fb.me/TheAnswerKey daily!

You know there are going to be a few things that will not exactly please you in this life. In fact, there will be things, experiences, and people that may down-right upset you, hurt you, disappoint you, let you down, and make you cry- the bad kind of cry. You know you will have your fair share of tragedy too, but you should continue to be hopeful and keep your face towards the sun forever grateful for the dawn of tomorrow- a new day, a new beginning, a fresh start.  You also know that some of the hurdles will result in more than a few scrapes and bruises and others will leave scars, but scars are a sign of survival and healing. That said, you should understand that part of the beauty of life itself is the fact that you have prior knowledge to how it goes- its ebb and flow. Your plans will have to change sometimes, but the result of that change could very well be to your benefit. You can rest assured that there will be people that will betray you, but if you have the courage to stan...

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"No." It could be the most important statement you make in any one day, one moment, or one choice. Often people will see how great of a resource you are, how they can benefit from your input or influence, and even more often, some will have no self-restriction when it comes to deciding whether or not to use you all up. The good news is that they can only do it if you let them. "No" is universally one of the first words children learn. It is an essential part of their rearing, safety, and survival. Adults must re-establish the importance of 'no' in their every day life. Re-learn how to say 'no' and embrace the freedom that comes with it- not the guilt. Sure, you may be able and willing to help others, but you must also be mindful of what is best for you. Consciously maintain the balance between your ability and availability. Take a moment to pause and check-in within yourself and only say yes to what works in you. Your answer inside is always looking ...

If you do nothing else to promote your own happiness, keep these three, simple rules on your agenda. Remember that tomorrow's reality is simply a reflection of the choices you make today and every single one counts. Dive into the lake of life with pure intentions, joy in your heart, and conscious deliberate acts. One foot after the other, one hand over the other- make choices that empower your future self and move you closer to your goals. Give your life the investment it deserves, but remember to take guilt-free rests often. A mindful person will make choices that create work they can be proud of, relationships they can rely on, and as much happiness as one life can handle. For more positive posts stop by www.twitter.com/_TheAnswerKey & fb.me/TheAnswerKey daily!

Every day is a new opportunity to be the most renewed, revitalized, reinvented, rejuvenated version of yourself. You can show up in your life as the greatest at what you do, the solution to your problems as they come, embracing all of your life lessons as you dust yourself off from another hard one learned, and still remain overflowing with joy in every awesome moment of your life- you choose. In addition to being a bright expression of excellence, talent, beauty, and love you also have the option to opt out. You have the option to love or hate, embrace or let go, seize the day or be seized by it- you choose. Some days the choice between them will come harder than others, but even on those days you can choose to hold on for tomorrow, and remember that every morning is a fresh start for everyone. As long as there is still breath in your body, a beat in your heart, and blood running through your veins you can choose to be more and do more than merely exist. The sum of your ...

Try as you might to avoid difficult situations and people, they do show themselves from time to time. If you absolutely have to deal with something or someone not-so wonderful, do so with a commitment to yourself. Do not allow this person or thing to adversely impact your entire day. Give them your undivided attention temporarily so you can fix the issue at hand, and move on as quickly as you can. Attack the problem not the person. Be honest and concise. Be consciously open to compromise, look for the brighter side, but also know when it is best to simply walk away.  Every battle is not worth fighting for.   Still, some difficult situations can be unavoidable and must be addressed. Do that as best you can without the goal of changing anyone one else's perspective. Clarify your own, seek a resolution, do your part, then hurry up and get back to putting your energy into that which serves you best: your health, your family, and the positively wonderful things you have going ...

Sometimes life will hand you lemons. The tang of its bitterness can sting. Own your feelings. If you are sad- be sad. If you are mad- be mad. If you are devastated- be that too, but only for a short while. Take a moment to allow yourself to be upset or disappointed because that is part of what makes you human. People are emotional creatures that love and hurt, feel pain and sadness, and suffer disappointments and failures from time to time, but you can refuse to dwell in the storm. Staying in that place takes time away from your plan of action to make things right, get back on track, and recover. With every moment that passes, you could be missing an opportunity to turn things around for the better. Life is not going to be full of wonderful, awesome, jubilant moments all the time, but it is always full of blessings. Acknowledge them and give them the attention they deserve even (especially) while you recover from defeat. It is in those moments that your blessings will multiply...

This is your life. If you do not like something in it; remove it. If you do not see the positive purpose someone is serving in it; remove them. If you do not like the way it is going; change direction. Life goes by too quickly to live with any regrets. You are the pilot of your jet. You are the author of your book. You are the conductor of your symphony so if you do not like how it sounds; change the music. Whatever you do, live with purpose, live with passion, live your life well, and your way. Smile, play, laugh, and relax as much as you can. Eliminate everything and everyone that does not add positively to your experience. Live a life you will be proud of when all that is left of it are the memories you made. Live your life well. Start now. ~For more positive posts stop by fb.me/TheAnswerKey & www.twitter.com/_TheAnswerKey daily!

Once you have made it your business to start your day off on the right foot a few conscious efforts must take place. Sure, on most days you can wake up and choose to be positively productive and take everyone you encounter with you on that journey. However, a ll of your good vibes are not for rent. Do not make it your job or duty to remove the filthy cloak of woe from everybody else. You will not always be rewarded for attempting to brighten someone else's day. Some people are perfectly content with being negative, bitter, pitiful, and just plain sad. Let those people be who they are, and do not waste your good energy trying to change them.  You have to be very careful with your energy and who you exchange energy with because it goes both ways. Everyone has their own problems or issues that they have to tend to, but some choose to allow them to consume their day. That said, you certainly do not want to leave an interaction feeling negative simply because it rubbed off. Know when yo...

Life is full of hills and valleys. Recognize your moments on the hills as the wonderful moments they are and take it all in. Do not waste time up there worrying about the next valley. Give those moments the time they deserve. Be happy and be grateful for them, and when the valleys come, take them in stride. Embrace the experiences for what they are; time to show yourself what you are really made of, show your strength, affirm your faith, and keep moving forward knowing that with every valley you are on the upswing to something better. Do not get stuck, stranded, or stagnant. Do not lie down and give up or quit. More than anything else, pay attention. The valleys are there to teach you something about yourself you may not have known before, reaffirm what you already knew, or re-establish what you knew and lost along the way. Both hills and valleys are blessings to your life. Embrace them both equally and be grateful for the experience. ~For more positive posts stop by fb.me/The...

The best lesson you can figure out at this stage in your life is the most important one- your happiness is your daily duty from one moment to the next. The moment you realize that you can choose your happiness over your situation, thoughts, or offense under most circumstances, you are well ahead of the rest. That said, the second you decide that your happiness rests in the hands, pocket, or is the ball in someone else's court, you have a problem. Your happiness is not, can not, and will not be reliant on the execution or approval of anyone else unless you let it come to that. In that case you are merely a puppet mastered solely by your puppeteer's will. Avoid those shackles at all costs. Someone special, a boss, a friend, loved one, or even a stranger can come into your life, month, week, or day, and give your happiness a shot of adrenaline, sure, but they should never be the sole catalyst- you are. The production and maintenance of your happiness is your job. Release the thin...

When you set up boundaries there will always be people in your life trying to jump the fence. Do not let them. Stand firm in your understanding of your limitations and stick to them. Know the difference between being useful and being used. Take time to consider the impact the decisions you make will ultimately have and you and your family, not just how greatly your efforts would benefits the person asking for something. Everyone knows the saying, 'you have to teach people how to treat you', but what is most important is learning the practice of it when you are challenged. Do not feel bad for taking you into consideration in every decision you make.  Some people will not catch it on the first day.  It will take your commitment to learn that lesson and hold the line, but it is always worth it. ~When you get a sec stop by fb.me/TheAnswerKey & www.twitter.com/_TheAnswerKey daily!

Mondays can be tough if you going out to do something you really are not into, and doing it anyway. Mondays are hard for those who have no desire to be where they are going. Mondays bring great sadness to anyone uninterested in being who they were last Monday. May this Monday bring you peace in whatever must be done today, but  clarity in what you will do to bring forth a future Monday you can look forward to. Let the action you take today and everyday be based in the understanding that with you efforts today a better Monday is going to come. For more positive posts stop by www.twitter.com/_TheAnswerKey & fb.me/TheAnswerKey daily!