Hi - We hope your week is starting off well. We came across this list about staying positive and wanted to share it with you. Please feel free to share with your friends if you want. 1. Find a book that has positive messages in it. There are also many devotional books where you can read a short story each day. The "Chicken Soup" books are great. Another great book is "The Power of Being Positive" by Joyce Meyer....you definately will find power for daily living in this book. Or try a little book called "No limits but the Sky" (a Hallmark Gift Book) that is so uplifting. 2. Turn off the news channels and shows that sensationalize current events and promote fear. 3. Keep plugging along. Don't stick your head in the sand and think that problems will go away. They will only get worse. Tackle problems head on and go into action! Perseverance does pay off! 4. Make a list! Make a daily list of things to get done or write down weekly, monthly or annual goals. Keep that list in a place where you see it everyday! There is a sense of accomplishment when you can check off an item on your list! 5. Find a theme song. This may sound funny but find a song that you like that has a positive message to it. Play it in your car, on your iPod or whenever you are falling in the trap of stinkin' thinkin'! Mine is: Bob Marley's "Three Little Birds" .....the lyrics are: "Don't worry about a thing, cause every little thing is gonna be alright"! You will be amazed at how a song can change your whole outlook. 6. There's joy in the little things! How do you eat an elephant?....one bite at a time! Don't become overwhelmed by looking at the big picture. Find joy in the little daily treasures that life sends to us. So many people over look these and miss what life is really all about. A flower blooming, a bird singing, a baby's laugh, a funny joke, an ice cream cone. Focus on these moments or make sure to create them each day. 7. Volunteer. We all feel good when we help others. Best of all, it's free. Visit with an elderly person and read to them. Volunteer at your local humane society....free puppy kisses! Serve food to the homeless through a local church or organization. Take dinner to someone you know who is sick or overwhelmed. Make or buy cookies and give them to your neighbor or friend who needs a pick me up. PAY IT FORWARD! We've all received a kindness from someone at one time in our lives.....return the favor to a stranger. 8. Grow something! Plant something and get a sense of accomplishment as you watch it grow! Plant a Christmas lily and keep indoors. Start an indoor herb garden. Depending on the time of year.....you can plant a full outdoor garden or bury bulbs and wait for spring to arrive! 9. Get outdoors! There's nothing like a brisk walk to get the endorphins going and feel-good seratonin multiplying. Start with small distances and work up to at least a mile 3-4 times a week. This will shake off the dulldrums in no time. 10. Smile (even if you don't want to) The gift of a smile is always welcomed. The grocery store clerk, the teacher, the guy that hands you your morning coffee....all will take notice of your new found cheer and reciprocate. You'll be surprised how fast this will lift your spirits!