How you view yourself, other people and the world around you has a major impact on your ability to be happy and successful. As humans, we have a natural tendency to focus on negative aspects of our lives and ourselves. We are always aware of shortcomings, and perceived obstacles. But often we don’t take the time to count our blessings and see the good around us and in us. If I take the time to count our blessings and see the good around us and in us. If I asked you right now to give me your five greatest weaknesses, you’d probably be able to rattle off at least five without much thought. If I asked for three of your strongest points, most of you would be at a loss for words or you might reply, “just give me a second and I will think about that.” Why? because the negative stuff is right up front in your mind and ready to roll, while the positive stuff gets buried in the back.
Because focusing on the negative comes so naturally to us, it’s actually much easier to be negative and unmotivated. So it takes work to get and stay positive and motivated. But believe me, it’s worth it, because when you focus on the positive, it will become your reality.
Negative influences in our lives surround us. Some people will tell us that you can’t do something. Sometimes we even tell ourselves the same thing. Se hall have negative tapes playing in our head telling us that we are too old, too young, not smart enough, not experienced enough, and so on, to be able to do something. Unfortunately, there’s no off button on these tapes, but you can turn down the volume. You have the power to create your own positive reality.

“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won’t feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It’s not just in some of us; it’s in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.”

- Marianne Williamson