It's time for something different. A change. A new outlook. It has become far too simple to complain about every little mishap or problem in life. Sometimes, it seems like it is so much easier to point out problems, issues or imperfections than it is to find the good in situations. This is all about your outlook, your perspective. People so easily find the the bad in certain circumstances because their mind makes it so. Negativity can swallow you whole. It affects the way you think, act, speak and even more importantly, the way you treat yourself. Just like negativity, positivity is contagious. It spreads. Positivity is in fact, a way of life. It brings about happiness and gives you energy. It motivates you. There are so many things you can do to improve the way you think or to increase the amount of optimism in your life. Being aware of your thoughts, and everything that enters your mind is a way to kind of "filter" the negativity out and bring the positivity in. Replace the pessimistic thoughts with optimism. In life, there are so many things to be happy about if you need a reminder check out my list of 50 Things To Be Thankful For and I'm sure you could find something in there to relate to. And sure, you could argue that life gives us plenty of things to be not so happy about too. Trust me, I get that. But spending life searching for problems and things to complain about simply is not worth it. I think the tough situations in life are lessons. They are learning experiences. Those situations allow you to grow as a person and maybe in doing that, you're inspiring others to do the same. Some people believe optimism is a joke or plain nonsense, or that you cannot possibly think rationally if you're thinking optimistically. To me, that is not true. We are only here for a short time. Life should be spent appreciating the many blessings we have been given. We are here on this planet for a reason. What you perceive, think and believe is what you bring into your life. Thinking positively brings about good vibes. Positive thinking allows you to have clearer mind and fuller heart. With 2017 fast approaching, I think we should all challenge ourselves to do a little more positive thinking, to remember that life is worth living and we have a purpose here. In this new year, whether your 2016 was successful or not, I think that we could all use more optimism. Challenge yourself to see the good, the bright side, or the light at the end of the tunnel. Because there is one. It takes a little searching but it's there for you to discover.

"Everything you put out into the world will come back to you."