Take it from me… Lately, I've felt as though life is getting rough. I'm broke. My job isn't bringing in much income. My dog is getting older. And the weather is getting colder. Looking at life in that light is depressing. Some days I want to give up. How am I supposed to be happy?

Every once in a while I have to stop and remind myself to look at the bigger picture.

Why am I broke? I'm buying a house and planning a wedding. 5+ years ago a wedding felt impossible. I was single and content but I wasn't around the right people to meet someone. A house felt like a far-off dream considering I was still in college and just beginning to realize the burden of student loan debt. Now, in such a short amount of time, I'm able to afford my own place in the world with my future hubby that I never thought I'd meet so soon. I've come a long way from broke, single, and adhering to the landlord's rules.

Why isn't my job bringing in much income? Well, my "side hustle" is in the mere beginning stages of becoming a full-blown small business. I only have a few clients. But 2 years ago I had no small business. A year and a half ago, when I started my side hustle, my first client project was a bit rough. Since then I've learned tons about proposals, bids, profiles, portfolios, marketing, business licenses, liability, and all the different types of projects I can do as an editor and writer. Considering I made only $4 on my first gig, I'd say I've come a long way. And I still have room to grow!

Why is my dog getting older? Time. Duh. But on the bright side, now that I'm no longer renting, she can live with me for the last couple good years of her life. We can be attached at the hip like we used to be!

Why is the weather getting colder? That one's pretty obvious, too. Time. Seasons. Mother Nature. Duh. But winter is the perfect opportunity to hunker down in a warm house and make my side hustle a dream come true!

So when you think life is handing you lemons, do what I do and step back for a moment. Think about it. Where were you 2 weeks ago? 2 years ago? 5 years ago? How far have you come? You're on an incredible journey in life! Take it one step at a time! Enjoy the lemonade!