Many authors and scientists have documented the power of a positive attitude.  However, today we still hear more people complaining about their plights in life than boast about their blessings. 

As one famous person stated, “We become what we think about.”   And, so it is when we continually talk about our plight in life that we also do not see the opportunities.  When our head is cast down while we complain, all we see is the mud on our shoes.  Better we realize that life is short and holds the possibilities of achieving our potential if we apply ourselves and do it on a continual basis.

One book that I suggest to many of my business clients is Thank You Power, by Deborah Norville, yes the same lady who won an Emmy for her anchoring of Inside Edition.  She cites real life examples and scientific research on the power of gratitude.  By seeing the positive part so your life more clearly, you become better able to handle life’s unexpected, but unavoidable, setbacks.  Deborah asks the reader to consider the following:

• Would You Like To Be More Resilient in Tough Times?
• Would You Like to Be Better At Solving Problems?
• Wish You Had Better Relationships?
• Wish You Were Less Impacted By Stress?
• Do You Wish You Were Happier?

By applying the extraordinary force that comes simply from acknowledging the good things in life and beginning with the regular practice of counting one's blessings, one can become healthier, happier, smarter, more resilient and even able to undo the negative effects of stress.

Deborah also suggests you jot down three things that happed today for which you are grateful.  This exercise forces you to concentrate on what went right today versus what went wrong.  This book is one you should add to your reading list and refer to often.  Life can become overly stressful and take on a negative tone if we do not keep a balanced perspective and take note of the positive things around us.

Yes, gas prices are rising, but this will bring out the genius of the American inventive spirit.  Yes, food prices will increase, but this also will provide incentives for us to find new ways to nourish the population and cut out waste.  By embracing optimism you will find your path less traveled and less cloudy.  I look forward to meeting you on the sunny side of the road.