HOW OFTEN DO YOU DO THIS? CHANGING YOUR LIFE WITH WORDS - DAY 123

Living a thankful life can make each day joyful, each burden lighter, each relationship better, and relieve the stress that plagues so many of us these days. With all the trouble in the world today it is too easy to think only of what is wrong in our lives.  I know it is easy to be bogged down with unhappy thoughts, angry reactions, bitter feelings, and despair over things that are not as we want them to be.  In spite of these things, however, there is one thing each of us can do to help ourselves.

Being thankful is not just for religious people, but it is for all people.  I truly believe that every person can find things each day for which to be thankful.  Beauty, music, art, nature, and kindness are available to all of us at no cost so even the poorest of the poor can enjoy them.  Family, friends, work, health, opportunities, and so many other things to be thankful for are truly blessings.

Today's message is:

COUNT BLESSINGS!

WHY LOOK DOWN WHEN YOU CAN LOOK UP? CHANGING YOUR LIFE WITH WORDS - DAY 112

Have you ever watched people walking and noticed how many people are always looking down?  It is one thing if they are old and trying to watch their steps for fear of falling, but I am talking about other people who spend more time looking at the floor than the ceiling, the ground than the sky.  It can be a habit that they no longer realize they have acquired, but much of it has to do with how they face life and all the challenges life brings.  If they are beaten down by their personal circumstances, if they have lost their confidence (or never had any), if they are depressed, or if they are just generally unhappy they will keep their eyes down and their heads down.  Shame, fear, shyness, and embarrassment will also cause them to look down rather than up.

Looking down does not help anything or change anything.  So when you are feeling troubled or discouraged go for a walk but don't look down.  Force yourself to keep your head erect and your eyes straight ahead.  If you pass someone look directly at them; don't look away and certainly don't look down.

If you do this you will find that it changes the way you carry yourself, the way you feel, and the way others perceive you.

Today's message is:  

KEEP YOUR HEAD UP!

DO YOU APPRECIATE LIFE? CHANGING YOUR LIFE WITH WORDS - DAY 90

Have you ever known anyone who is happy all of the time or most of the time?  Have you known anyone who is unhappy all of the time or most of the time?  What is the difference between them?  Do you think it is because one is more fortunate than the other?  Do you think it is because one is healthier than the other?  Is it because one has a happy marriage or relationship while the other has neither?  Is is because one loves his or her job and the other one either has no job or hates the job he or she has?

While I can accept that any individual's personal circumstances can affect their attitude, I really do not think that their happiness or unhappiness is the result.  I think people who are happy most of the time have a true appreciation for life and the wonder of it.  Life is a miracle..........look at a newborn baby and think about his journey to enter the world.  Think about all he will learn and do and how much he will physically grow in his first year of life.

Abraham Lincoln said something to the effect, "People are as happy as they make up their minds to be."  I very much believe he was right. We all have problems and misfortune from time to time, but each day look around you and actually identify the blessings of your life, the world, nature, family, friendships, work, and recreation.

Today's message is:

LIFE IS WONDERFUL!

ARE YOU AN UPPER OR A DOWNER? CHANGING YOUR LIFE WITH WORDS - DAY 77

It is no secret that most of us prefer the company of people who are positive, upbeat, and optimistic about life and the future.  People who are negative, always unhappy and complaining, and pessimistic about everything can be toxic to others.  If you are one of the people whose companionship is preferred, then good for you.  If you are one of the other types, then make a decision to change your attitude and change your behavior.  It will ultimately benefit you.

Today's message is:

UPLIFT THE WORLD!