When you examine your life in retrospect, you are able to see how even the darkest of circumstances contain hidden gifts. If you decide to buy a new wardrobe, you may be forced to clear your old clothes out of the closet to make room for the additions. The same is often true for us. Sometimes, we must be shaken from our old ways and circumstances in order to accept more good in our lives. 

When you think of painful experiences in your own life, what comes to mind? What did you take away from the experience? Are you able to identify some positive results from a painful experience? This is not an attempt to minimize the very real pain that we all experience in tragedy, but it may provide a perspective to remind us that there is light on the other side of the darkness.

If you find yourself in the midst of a negative experience right now, ask yourself what you might hope to take away from it. You may not receive an immediate answer, but if you keep your eyes and heart open and trust that you will come out on the other side, you will emerge with new strength and renewal.

Success or sabotage? Do you find yourself automatically feeling victimized by your life experiences? Are you able to embrace the growth that is born from pain?

Is this going to be an incredible day? Can you see the gift in this day no matter what happens?