by Christine G.

Created on: January 30, 2009

Life is a challenge. No matter how privileged, successful, rich, thin, pampered, admired, or beloved we are, some days are better than others. We hit walls we can't dig under or climb over. We get the flu and barf until we wish we could die, or break a leg, or get told that we have a horrible medical condition that will shorten our life and reduce its quality. People we trust betray us. Friends and family members die without our permission. Our pets have shorter life spans than we do. The government makes irritating laws, the economy fluctuates, and lousy weather provides us with plenty to complain about.

How we deal with things we can't control determines our quality of life. We all know of celebrities who destroy themselves because they see no reason to live, and cancer patients who continue to live and love and laugh and make the most of every moment they have left. Our character and attitude will make us or break us.

If you are dissatisfied with what is happening in your life, and you are not in a position to remedy the situation directly, try one of these strategies:

1. Ask yourself what difference the issue of the hour will make ten years from now, fifty years from now, or three thousand years from now when archaeologists dig up your remains. Chances are, the things that seem so important now are just small stuff.

2. Imagine yourself at the other side of your problem, telling the story to an admiring audience of descendants. Paint yourself as a dauntless hero, facing multiple perils without flinching. The bigger the mountain, the greater the glory in climbing it.

3. Practise random acts of kindness. Double points if you don't get caught. The experience will cheer you up and counteract your feelings of helplessness. The greatest power we have is the power to do good.

4. Ask yourself what positive things you would like to accomplish if you knew that you were going to die in three months. Get started.

5. Take a child to a playground, a dog for a walk, or your bike for a spin. You'll feel better when you get home.

6. Start a gratitude list, add at least five items every day, and read it every morning. For a change of pace, write down top ten experiences in your life, the top ten people who have had a positive impact on you, the top ten things you would like to do some day. This will help you put things into perspective.

7. Learn a new skill or start a new project.

8. Do a pesky chore that has been bugging you. The resulting sense of accomplishment can work wonders.

9. Write a thank you note to someone you appreciate.

10. Think of one thing you can do right now to improve your life. Then do it.

Life is lived one minute at a time. Make the most of what you have right now, and tomorrow will take care of itself.

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