Can you imagine how boring life would be if everything was wonderful all the time? You may laugh at that but think about it…

NOW READ THESE SLOWLY AND THINK ABOUT EACH ONE PROPERLY!

Think about the relief you feel when a problem is solved…

Think about the joy you feel when you get good news…

Think about the satisfaction you feel when a job is done…

Think about the wellbeing you feel when you recover from an illness…

Think about the freedom you feel after you’ve been somewhere you didn’t want to be…

Think of the comfort you feel sitting and relaxing after you’ve been on your feet for a long time…

The joy in a good result in something when all you’ve ever gotten is crap ones…

The joy in mastering a skill you thought you never could… 

Think of the warmth and comfort of your home when you have been out in the cold…

Think of the abundance you feel when it’s pay day after feeling the squeeze of ‘being broke’ a few days before it…

The satisfaction in being prepared and organised for something when you’re usually disorganized and late… 

Think of the joy of a blue sky when you’re used to rain (especially for any Irish readers!)

The beauty of trees full of healthy buds, leaves and blossoms when they’ve been bare for winter… 

Think of the joy of food when you’re really hungry… 

Think of the joy of the success of losing 2 pounds on your diet when you’ve been undisciplined for weeks before that…”I did it, I’m on the way…”

Think of the comfort of your bed when you’re soooooo tired…

Think of the joy and fun of your dog jumping up to greet you and lick you when you come in the door even though you just want to put all your bags down and change your clothes – he always wins!

Think of the excitement of a holiday or a trip when you haven’t been away in a long time…

The joy in putting up your Christmas tree as it’s only once a year – imagine if it was there 365 days a year… no excitement!

Think of the pride and joy you feel when you tidy out some cluttered room – or even a press in a room… 

Think of the completeness you feel when you paint a wall that was dirty and grimey… 

Think of the love you feel for someone you meet that you’ve been missing…

Think of the comfort that you feel when you realize that everything is going to be ok and you can take each turn as it comes – you don’t have to figure it all out this red hot minute…

DO YOU SEE? ALL THESE POSITIVES ARE THE OTHER END OF THE STICK- THEY CAME FROM WHAT WE FELT AS ‘NEGATIVES’…
we wouldn’t have the feeling so strongly without the negatives. 

DON’T WORRY- IT’S JUST A BUMP ON THE ROAD…
So when you feel a negative, don’t fret… remember it’s only contrast – it’s only a bump on the road and relief is on the way. As my uncle Dom says “the only way is up…” 

UNCONDITIONAL APPRECIATION
Think of these joys you feel – I’m sure you can add to my list – now see can you get those feelings just with your mind – without really going through the negative.

Can you feel comfort where you are now? Well milk it!

Can you feel calm right now? Try 5 long deep breaths. Well bask in it!

Can you feel love right now? Think of that someone… and smile!

Can you feel pride right now? Think of some achievement no matter when it was… and no matter how big or small…

Think and feel… appreciate right now while you’re in the positive. We forget to do this because we take things for granted. It’s easier to appreciate things when we feel relief from the contrasting feeling. So try now, right now to appreciate what’s around you – start with ‘I’m so lucky I … ‘ or “I’m glad… “

If you’re in a negative situation, try and find one little thing to appreciate. Force yourself to find something to be glad about…. even if the only joy you can find is that feeling of relief you’d have if it was over.
So when you’re in a storm, find relief in the thought that it will end or that you can go in out of the cold, wind and rain and find comfort. 

Just do one thing right now before I leave you for today… smile. Just smile at nothing. A big smile. See how it feels!