When we are in the midst of a daunting challenge, our tendency/temptation/habit is to say "why did this have to happen to me?” This is often accompanied by a chorus of seemingly justified victimization. “My friends aren’t going through this? Why me? Why is this happening now? What did I do to deserve this? Why am I the one that has to go through this?" This is a natural inclination and one that will take us into a downward spiral. Once we engage it, we infuse the negative and stroke the flames of all that is not, empowering the possibility of even more undesirable conditions/circumstances/events. It is never about denial of what is or is not true; it is the choice of where we will invest to get the desired return (despite our current experience).

Once you have acknowledged the truth of the difficulty and how it makes you feel, shift your focus and attention to that which is working favorably in your life. Get out some paper; make a list of all of the good that is in your life. Begin with the fact that you’re breathing. Continue with your list (“I am so grateful that…”) until you have filled the page. Read it aloud. Notice how your emotions begin to shift. Play some uplifting music. Engage an activity that energizes your spirit.

Success or sabotage? To achieve success, you must be able to see and seize opportunity in the midst of adversity. If you remain immersed in (what you have concluded to be) negative circumstances, you will miss the opportunities even when they stand before you.

Is this going to be an incredible day? If you choose to make the day a positive experience, the opportunities will arise to make it so.