In life we humans have two choices—we can choose to be positive or negative. I have encountered both types of people, and I have been both types. It is our thoughts and perceptions about life that make us who we are as individuals. Many people believe that the challenges in their lives happen because they are just so unlucky and “life has it out for them,” when that is not the case. It is how we identify these challenges and handle them.

When I was younger, I lived in a negative state of mind, and it was a daunting place to be. Every day, I woke up and wanted to stay in my bed, away from everyone. I thought my life was a series of unfortunate events and that due to all the challenges I was encountering, I wouldn’t ever be happy. I indulged myself in bad habits in order to escape reality and was cynical about love, happiness and that life is good. This went on for a few years, and I honestly thought I would be stuck in this place forever. The darkness felt so inviting and comforting...

The thing about darkness is that it doesn’t last forever. There is a light at the end of the tunnel, and it just takes some wandering to find this light. It is there—it is in all of our lives flickering like a light bulb… waiting... and waiting... for us to switch the light on.

It isn’t easy, but positivity is a choice whether we want to believe that or not. I decided that I was tired of living in a negative state of mind and constantly feeling exhausted. My mind felt like a prison that I was suffering in and it was time to escape. I took it one day at a time but fast forward a year later, and I felt how delightful life really is.

I decided to consciously change my thought process. Every time a negative thought popped into my mind, I would change it to a positive thought. I decided to start noticing the positive things around me and happiness is everywhere. It’s in the laugh of a newborn baby, the way the sun feels when it’s beaming on your skin, the fall of fresh snow, a hug.

We are in situations every day where we have the opportunity to let events knock us down or we can rise against them. We can face challenges head on and accept them and work hard for what we want, or we can sulk in sorrow and feel sorry for ourselves. It’s our decision what we choose to do. What will you do?

The darkness was so comforting to me, but now the light is where I stand. You can’t have the light without some darkness but it is vital to not get yourself wrapped up in the darkness. Allow the light to shine down. Enjoy what life has to offer—we only get one chance.