January 4

"If you want your life to be a magnificent story, then begin by realizing that you are the author and every day you have the opportunity to write a new page." —Mark Houlahan

Good morning! Today is a great day and I am going to make it just that. Something wonderful is going to happen today and I can't wait to see what it is! Each and every day you wake up, you have the choice to make the day yours. What happens that day is ultimately up to you. Yes, we have things happen each day that may be out of our control, but it depends on what you do with those unexpected happenings that make the day yours to be had. Are you going to let the unexpected mess up your rhythm of accomplishing your tasks? Or are you going to meet the unexpected head on and tackle it the best way you know how? Stop letting the unexpected things derail you from your plans. If you are on a diet, don't let eating out at the office ruin your day. Get a meal with the coworkers, but only eat half of it. Save the other half for later or for your children or significant other for a snack later. If you get a flat tire, use the opportunity to either ask a stranger for help or learn to change the tire yourself. Yes it may make you late for work or that appointment, but call them and explain the situation and that you'll be there as soon as possible. The unexpected always happens when we least expect it and we are not prepared for it. But we each need to learn that we get to make the final call on whether we really have a good day or a bad day, no one else can make that decision for us. See the unexpected happenings as an opportunity to enhance your life in one way or another. There are good people out there in this world that are willing to lend a hand in a time of need. Or maybe the unexpected happening pops up for someone else and you are there to lend a hand when they really need it. Be the person who can give to someone else selflessly and needlessly. Show them that someone is willing to help them out when no one else will. That favor will be returned to one day when you need it most.

Now it's YOUR Turn to Reflect on This:
In your journal, write down how you always let something derail you from your daily tasks. Then, write down how you let it happen and derail you. Finally, write down, what you are going to different next time something like this happens to keep it from derailing your from your daily tasks and getting them accomplished. Go about the rest of your day and don't let the unexpected trip you up. If something unexpected does pop up, think about what you can do about it to keep it from derailing you as soon as it happens, then work on fixing it.

Today's Affirmation:
I am the author of my story and only I can change it. Today, I am changing it to have a positive outcome.