When life places obstacles in our path, when things seem like they’re breaking down and we grow weary of the struggle, it’s a good time to step back and look for the gift. What gift, you say?

Every situation and experience in life holds a gift, lesson or blessing for us. Yes, even the really painful experiences, like the loss of a loved one, an automobile accident, or natural disaster. There is a gift there, if we look for it.

To find the gift, we simply have to ask ourselves, “What positive lesson can I learn from this? How can this situation benefit me? What wisdom can I gain from this experience? What makes this situation worthwhile to experience in my life?” We can learn from anything in our lives, from a snag in our pantyhose to a migraine headache. We can learn from our disappointments, our heartaches, and our joy. Read more »

How often are you grateful? Like many people, you probably focus on gratitude when something great happens in your life, and maybe once a day on Thanksgiving. If you are part of a rare group of people, you might actually keep a daily gratitude journal and take time to reflect on your blessings regularly.

These actions are a great start, but you can also use gratitude in a more proactive way to transform your life. The way to do this is as simple as making a series of choices throughout the course of your day.

Most of us are in the habit of thinking negatively. We experience something difficult or painful in our outer environment that throws us immediately into a negative state of mind. We fluctuate between feelings of anger, resentment, annoyance, boredom, and disappointment – never once realizing that it doesn’t have to be that way!

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By Don L.

Do you want to be happy? I’m sure you do. In fact, I believe that happiness is something everyone wants. There are countless songs, books, and poems written on the topic of happiness.

But how can we be happy? Here I want to share with you three simple tips to be a happy person:

1. Be grateful for what you have

I can’t emphasize this enough: an attitude of gratitude is essential for your happiness. Just think about it. If you aren’t grateful, no matter how rich or famous you are you will still complain about your life. On the other hand, if you are grateful you will see your life in a positive light. Even if you don’t have much, you will still have a positive attitude toward your life. Isn’t that a great way to live?

So whatever your situation is, be grateful for it. Understand that many people don’t have what you have. Many people take things for granted and fail to appreciate them. But don’t let it happen to you. Appreciate what you have and be grateful for them. Don’t wait until you lose something before you can appreciate it.

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By Alan Joel

“Nagflation: The incessant gloom-and-doom predictions from economic analysts who feel compelled to issue updates even if nothing has changed.” (from Buzzwhack)

Tired of the all the nagflation going on these days? Sick and tired of being sick and tired? Then stop it! Turn off the television, stop reading the news, and start creating some joy for yourself. Here are 3 simple ways you can do that.

1. Check Yourself: You Still Alive?
If you are not sure if you are still standing, living, and breathing, give yourself a good pinch. Ouch! Does that hurt? Good. It means you are still alive and breathing. That means you are ahead of all those people who are 6 feet under. That means you can still move, work, and do something with your life. Maybe it’s not what you were used to doing, but just remember this: a rut is only a few inches shallower than a grave. Any changes in your life, forced or not, may be just the kick the pants you need make a life change. What have you always wanted to do in your life that you have never had time to do? Do it now. Create some joy in your life. Now is your big chance!
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