January 16

”A smile is an inexpensive way to improve your looks.” Charles Gordy

There are moments where I have to simply stop and smile at the craziness I find myself in. It is actually a relief to recognize when I am overwhelmed as it is a reminder that I am not simply ignoring what is happening around me, but that I am present and ready to face the challenge. It is wonderful to no longer be running on auto-pilot as I did in the past, but to be actively participating in the world around me. Taking those moments to pause when I feel like my head is under water are important to ground myself, mentally recite a Serenity Prayer or two, and start to focus on what parts of the situation I can control. Letting go of taking responsibilities for the actions and feelings of others allows me to concentrate better on my own. I am getting better at finding the positive in my adversities, even if it is only the fact that I am aware of how I am feeling, or recognizing that I am acting in a way contrary to my former behaviours. That in of itself is a reason to grin ear-to-ear.

Affirmation I will find good in situations that may at first appear only bad, as I learn to let go and work on those things that I am capable of changing.