Life is hard at times. Life is unfair, unkind; life is downright cruel at times as well, however, it does not mean that our attitude has to "suck," and that we have to be unfair, unkind, or cruel to others. After fifty years of life there has not been much that I have not personally experienced so allow me to share this one fact with you. This is true as true can be, much of our life experience and what happens to us is because of our belief system and our attitudes as well as the choices we make. If our life experience sucks and we choose to be angry, sad or depressed, or absorbed in self-pity then actions reflective of these choices or thoughts and feelings will follow. However, if we look at our life experiences as challenges or opportunities to grow and become better people, and we rise in the morning with a new song in our heart and on our lips, and we make the choice to be happy, whole, and well, then guess what, our actions will reflect those choices we have made. We will feel better physically and emotionally as well. So, what are you going to do differently today to deal with the issues and things that trouble you in your life?

So what can you do you to deal with things differently you ask?

Work on developing and keeping a positive attitude or outlook on life, no matter what. And yes, it does require work as it is hard work. Sometimes maintaining a positive attitude in our world today is almost impossible-but it can still be done. As Jesus would say to his disciples, (because what he was about to tell them was important), "Verily, verily I say unto you", you might just as well think and feel positive because feeling any other way is NOT going to help you or your situation now is it? Think about it, how is choosing to be depressed, sad, angry, or whatever other negative emotion going to help you or help your situation? It is not, no way, no how, not now and not ever.

If you need help with your attitude or outlook, did you ever consider looking upward or outward? You know, upward towards God (whoever God might be for you), or outward, to others? Stop for a brief moment and look at your problem, (you do not have a right hand for instance), and then look and see that there are others who do not have a right hand or arm or any arms at all? This is just an example. I know it is hard. I understand hard as there are days when my head hurts so bad from my 2 brain tumors even Advil, (And I am ALL Advil to be sure), won't help and I am NOT going to take a narcotic drug. I have double vision, (if you can imagine seeing 2 or 3 of me in the mirror in the morning-now that is sure a scary thought), and I am stumbling all over the place because my balance is off. Also, at times my memory fails me and I get lost going places that I have known for years. I do not get lost in my bathroom yet, however, I am sure that day might come eventually. What do I do you ask to maintain a positive attitude in the midst of life's troubles and storms?

I tell my body to get a grip and get in line because I have a life to live. I have a job to do. I tell myself, there is no arguing with me body. I am going to get going to meet the new day God has given me, and whether you like it or not, you are just going to have to get in shape and get going with me.

I sing. I shout. I stomp around the house banging and clanging on things having a good old time. I think of a funny story or joke and I laugh. I remember some funny thing or things my dad said or did, God rest his soul, or my kids said or did, and I get a good laugh on. There is a Proverb that says, "A merry heart works like a good medicine," and I believe that. A happy heart and joy filled mind will create a happier and healthier body.

I used to listen to jammin, slammin, foot stompin, rock and roll music on my way to work…before I was declared "significantly disabled and unable to work," that is. (Thank you to Jeffrey Gitomer for reminding me to do this one). My son and I now listen to the jamming music now on our way to my doctor's appointments or one of the many other appointments we have that relates to my being disabled. Anyway, you know what happens when you listen to upbeat, endorphin pumping music don't you? Endorphins are feel good chemicals in the brain. Come on, I know you are with me on this, by the time I used to get to work, I felllllllllllllt Grrrrrrrrrrreaaaat!!! My body had started to agree with what I had chosen to tell it to do. After a coffee or two and a warm and friendly howdy from my coworkers my body was ready to "rock and roll" itself, and as Jackie Gleason used to say, "And away we go." And away I would go, to help others and sell for the awesome company I worked for. It really worked and still does today. Upbeat, rockin, jamming music is good for the heart and the head, as long as you do not play it too loudly that is because then it might be good for your head but not so good for your ears and hearing. I also like to watch positive movies or read books with inspiring and positive messages to keep my mind and heart encouraged. These are just a few suggestions you might consider.

Okay, so you say YOU are not ME. I do not have YOUR problem or understand YOUR situation. That is true; however, I know pain, (physical and emotional). I know loss and grief that is beyond description (having lost my dad and my hero in the past two years, having been burned out of my home and losing everything, having to deal with two brain tumors, having to care for my mentally ill sister who had two strokes as well as for the mentally ill man who set our house on fire and burned us out…and much more-and yes, all in the past two years I had to deal with all of this. I know this and am absolutely confident of this fact…that having a positive attitude has kept me going every day in the past two years. Having a positive attitude helped me "make it through the rain" as Barry Manilow sang and it kept me protected from some of the painful realities of my life. And, as I was and am able each and every day, I dealt and deal with a little more of that pain, loss, and grief. All the while, keeping my look upward and outward being and doing positive things to make our world a better place.

Before you throw the "baby out with the bath water," at least consider what I have written. Try one or two of my suggestions and see whether they work for you or not. It might not totally change your life or your world, and it might not eliminate your present problems, but you will sure have fun and enjoy yourself more while on your journey in life. And that my friend would be a wonderful thing.