Trying to stay positive when you are surrounded by negative....

I work at a job that is in charge of administering unemployment insurance benefits to people who have become unemployed or are working less than full time. Throughout the course of the workday I speak with numerous individuals who are facing difficult times due to financial reasons and are also faced with the stress that results. Foreclosures, car repossessions, no food you name it I have heard it. Occasionally people have even told me of contemplating suicide. As I progress throughout any given day I take pause and am thankful for the things and blessings that I have. I could allow myself to become down emotionally after listening to the numerous problems that people tell me about or I could be happy that I am in a position to provide some much needed assistance. Granted, by the time I get home I am pretty worn out after a day at the office but I am thankful for being able to enjoy the lifestyle that I currently have.

I am not trying to make this sound that I am oblivious to what is going on around me but being as how my reality is separate from others, I try to take responsibility for what does occur to me and to learn from it as well. In previous readings I heard someone telling of how whenever something less than favorable occurs, stop and ask "How does event serve me"? and "What can I learn from this"?

Recently I went to the movies with my son and saw "The Book of Eli". What impressed me the most was how the main character in the film was expressing gratitude to God for the blessings that were bestowed upon him even when faced with dire circumstances. Another good mention of how to deal with challenges in life is presented in Joel Osteen's book "Your Best Life Now". Highly recommended reading!

So even though the thought of turning 50 this year does not exactly thrill me, I am grateful for having been able to enjoy life this long, for the numerous wonderful things I have learned during my forties and for the opportunities that will present themselves in the time to come. Perspective is everything!

I wish good fortune and PEACE upon everyone!