“Facts do not cease to exist just because they are ignored.”
~Aldous Huxley

Good morning!   When Donna submitted this quote, I knew it would have to be the subject of one of our Good Mornings. I think this quote speaks to one of the core issues many self-improvement programs miss. We can’t “ignore the facts,” as we strive to create a better life. While positive thinking is a great tool, if we ignore the facts, we set ourselves up for disappointment.   That’s why the Change Your Life Challenge is 70 days (or steps) versus “5 days to a better life.” We don’t ignore what is around us. We methodically work through the “life clutter” while maintaining a positive attitude because we are “taking control.” A positive attitude shouldn’t be something we “brainwash” ourselves to have. A true positive attitude is born when we take action, take responsibility, and start regaining control of the many areas of our lives.   We can learn a lot by looking at the flipside of this. If our attitudes aren’t positive, then we can assume that we are either: 1. trying to brainwash ourselves without dealing with core issues, 2. not taking action 3. not regaining control 4. ignoring the facts or 5. not taking responsibility.   Those 5 ingredients are the mixture required for a lasting, positive outlook.   Some might argue that our outlook relies on external events. In cases of tragedy, this is often true. But in our day-to-day stresses and anxieties, I would disagree. One of my favorite quotes has always been, “Two men look out the same prison bars, one sees mud, the other sees stars.” In this example, the external is the same–but the focus of the two men is different. Here is another example from my life two weeks ago. We had a big ice storm here in Wisconsin. I was excited because I love snow and winter weather. My friend was bummed because she hates driving on ice. The external was the same, the outlook that we shared was different. We control our outlook.    

Your Turn:
Where in your life have you been pushing to have a good attitude, without taking into account “the facts?” Which of these 5 areas could you improve on today? 1. Not brainwashing yourself into a positive attitude by ignoring core issues 2. Taking action 3. Regaining control 4. Facing the facts or 5. Taking responsibility. What is a step you can take in the next hour in one of those areas?  

Your Affirmation:
I am actively regaining control of every area of my life.