The physician that I work for is constantly telling me that I'm the most positive person he knows. Now, I'm not sure that is an accurate statement but I do know that obstacles in our path that don't kill us do make us stronger somehow.

Over the last 3 years I have certainly been the receiver of several horrifying and uncontrollable happenings in my life. The death of my mother, husband of 20 years and a horrible freak accident of my oldest son (then 16) causing him to almost lose his foot have most definitely sparked negativity in me. These events literally made me start to have problems with my personal belief system. My son has really made me more positive. I saw the excitement on his face when he realized he could run again (with a small limp) after many surgeries, endless days of physical therapy and pain. He was absolutely POSITIVE that he would walk again and now he is running!

As human beings we are born with free will. We always have choices in how to react, what to say and such. The key to staying positive is choosing the correct path. Negativity is a disease that saps our strength, lowers our immunity, creates chaos and havoc in our lives. It promotes self pity. Self pity drains a person of their ability to look at things objectively leaving them stagnant and unable to change. One negative thing leads to another and so on down the line. It is a cycle that has to be broken - like that of the abused spouse who out of fear and apathy is unable to leave the abuser while her children watch and learn these behaviors and bring them to fruition in their own adult lives. She needs a bit of help and knowledge to make the choice to change her situation.

One kind word, a gentle touch, a helping hand, a beautiful smile can change a persons day. No one can make you be positive. This must come from within. This must be your choice. Many find comfort and peace in prayer, meditation, analyzing and dissecting situations. Find your power within and move forward creating a positive attitude for your life. Choose to see the small joys that can be so easily overlooked. My life has had so many lemons thrown in that I now own a chain of lemonade stands! Care to be my partner?

Learn more about this author, Debbie Denton.
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