Do you want to know one of the secrets to success.  I recently read in "The Happiness Advantage" by Shawn Achor that, "It turns out that our brains are literally hardwired to perform at their best not when they are negative or even neutral, but when they are positive."  Do you want to experience more fulfilling relationships?  Do you want to perform better at work?  Do you want to simply experience more joy?  It appears that part of the answer lies in embracing positivity. 

So, how can we foster positivity in our lives? One of my go-to's is a gratitude journal.  There is so much going on in life.  So many hurdles, so many challenges, so many things that simply don't turn out the way I had hoped.  One of the ways that I persevere through these ups and downs is through gratitude.  When I focus on the positive, it multiplies my joy and creates the habit to see all the gifts amidst the pain. Warm, cozy sheets to look forward to each night. Healthy legs that can hike up mountains and swim through streams. A schedule full of events that are productive and fulfilling. Ultimately, gratitude produces positivity, unlocking the ability to perform at my best.  How can you incorporate positivity into your daily life?

David J. Schwartz, in The Magic of Thinking Big, states, "The how-to-do-it always comes to the person who believes he can do it."  So many of us have dreams and goals.  You know, those deep desires that have long laid dormant since you've become a parent or received that new job.  Or, maybe the goal is staring you right in the face, like losing 10 pounds or learning to play that guitar that's been sitting in the corner of your room for a couple of years.  We don't usually lack the desire or the dream; sadly, we lack the belief in our abilities  So, before thinking about "how" you are going to achieve your goal, first focus on ALL that you possess to achieve that goal. Think about your strengths and consider your accomplishments--you didn't get where you are now by accident.  YOU were and are the main ingredient.  So, as you strive to achieve your next goal, remember that one of the most important aspects of this journey is not the "how to" but the belief in yourself.

We all know that this time of year is busy.  Beyond busy.  It is quite unfortunate given this is my favorite time of year.  It seems to pass by in a blink of an eye, even when I try celebrating in November and throughout  January [yes, I do--haters don't hate:)] . . .  and then it occurred to me--the only way I can savor this season is to "pause."  Pause to savor the twinkling Christmas lights.  Pause to taste the warm and comforting eggnog.  Pause to hear the sweet children sing Christmas carols.  Pause to remember the birth of my Lord and  Savior.  Pause.  How can you pause today?

Another life lesson. Learned over and over again. Feelings get hurt, and I can't help but feel like a Junior Higher all over again. Isn't that the way adulthood is sometimes? We find ourselves in situations where we are misunderstood, it's a "he-said-she-said," or worse, someone makes disparaging remarks about you. What can we do? Well, I came across these wise words from Rachel Hollis recently and it was a great reminder and exactly what I needed to hear to move forward. It's none of my business. It-is-none-of-my-business. Ahhh. Big sigh of relief. So, while I acknowledge the hurt involved, what I do to move forward is park my mind in a spot that brings wholeness and positivity. Yes, this is easier said that done, but this discipline (to focus on truth) has enabled me to overcome many challenges. And so, as I move through my day (s), this is my mantra, "Someone else's opinion of me is none of my business."
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This is my favorite time of year (well, I guess second to Christmas)!  The crisp morning air, the color of the leaves, and the celebration of everything pumpkin--it's the perfect environment to start fresh.  We often think of New Year's as the prime time to start fresh.  However, I find that Fall is a beautiful season to revive that which feels broken.  The changing of this season provides a remarkable metaphor for the opportunity for growth and restoration.  As the leaves ripen and fall of the branch, a dormant environment is created for new growth.

Right now, many of us may feel a bit worn down from the year.  We may be discouraged by forgotten resolutions and tired from the demands of the year.  Let's take the timely lesson from nature, and use this time to explore our hearts and minds and nurture ourselves.  This time of reflection, where we feel like the branch with no leaves, can provide a crop of renewed energy, clarity and purpose.  Let's take make the most of these cozy nights, cuddled up with a blanket, to self-nurture--and so create a harvest of growth.