SO WHAT NOW?

You're running late for work and the kids missed their bus. Your dog has chewed up your new heels, you spilled coffee all over your silk shirt, and not to mention the fact that you feel as if you are coming down with a cold. What else can go wrong?

Okay so we have all been there. We've been in that place of utter despair, and feel as if things can't get much worse. How can one stay so positive when everything goes wrong. How does one truly make lemonade with a bunch of sour, rotten lemons?

I have come to realize that a day gone wrong, can be quickly turned around for the better. I truly believe that the optimistic person has the best shot at turning a negative experience into a positive one. When we spill the coffee on our shirt, the first thing we want to do is to shout a four letter word, and go stomping off like a three year old about to have a tantrum.

Negative words can quickly knock down your mood, and the moods of those around you. Here are a few things to avoid so that your day can continue in the best way possible.

* Avoid profanity. Yes it is hard to do, but it will only make you more upset.

* Avoid putting yourself down. Things go wrong! Learn to deal with it and not blame yourself.

* Avoid blaming others. It will get you know where, even if someone else truly is at fault.

* Avoid lies. Try staying positive without having to lie to yourself, or someone else.

* Describing yourself or another with words like stupid, idiotic, and moron, are not productive. Remember, positive reinforcement really does work.

* Cut out the "coulda, woulda, shoulda". It's to late for that now.

* There are no BUTS about it. "Well I would have won, BUT..." That mentality gets you nowhere. Instead, use your experience to do better next time.

* Quit telling yourself that you're not good enough. If you keep saying it, it may actually come true someday.

* Comparing yourself to someone else isn't good. No matter how hard you try, you will always be you. It shouldn't be such a bad thing, so stop trying to make it a bad thing!

* Instead of saying "I Quit", why not say "I'll try it again"!

* Never say you hate your looks. Not only does this make you feel bad, it makes your spouse and kids feel bad. After all, when your little children look in the mirror they see parts of you in them. Why make them feel like they aren't good enough either?

* Change "I can't" to "I can"!

* Change "I won't" to "I will"!

What it all comes down to is believing in yourself. Have courage to face the things in life that you can change, and accept the things that you cannot change. We don't realize how the things we say and do can dramatically affect the ones we love dearly. Sometimes it is hard to have a positive outlook on life. If we continue thinking that things will not get better, you just may find that they won't.

Learn more about this author, Amber Richards.
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