You oversleep. You get a flat tire. You spill your coffee. You get a parking ticket. You lose your keys. Your list of to-dos is a mile long. You’re tired, frustrated, and a little bit hangry.

…I’ve been there.

There was a day when I woke up two hours late for my job… don’t ask me how I managed that. And when I was ONE turn away from work, I saw the lights behind me.

A copper.

So I pulled over and began to tear up as the officer came up and asked me where I was headed. I looked to my right and pointed towards work. I was so close. So, so close.

I almost let those emotions determine my day. I was frustrated and flustered at first, and I allowed my feelings to flood my mind. That day could have been horrible from that point on if I allowed it to be. I could’ve been moping and wallowing in frustration even longer as I explained to my boss what happened and continued to carry out all my tasks for the day.

But I didn’t.

Yes, those things happened, but they didn’t define me. My attitude allowed me to enjoy the day and smile and laugh and joke even more than usual.

Your attitude is what determines your day. Life is 10% what happens to you and 90% how you react to it. The small things in life don’t need to be worried and stressed about so much. The alarm can be fixed. The tire can be replaced. The coffee can be refilled. The parking ticket can be paid. The keys can be found. The to-dos can get to-done. You can get sleep. You can get some food. Maybe a Snickers to satisfy.

Your life is great. You just have to allow it to be.

People don’t make you angry - you allow the anger to dwell within you. Circumstances don’t upset you - you allow yourself to get upset. You choose to worry, you choose to criticize, you choose to blame, and you choose to complain. No one else decides this for you.

You can’t be moving up if your thoughts are bringing you down.

If you don’t like something, change it. If you can’t change it, change your way of thinking about it. Redirect your attitude. Remember that life is a gift - don’t ruin the contents. Choosing positive thinking provides you with confidence, vibrant health, and true beauty.

Your last day could be tomorrow - choose to live to the fullest each day and live with the attitude you’d want to be remembered for. Remain fixed on the good. See your problems as opportunities. When you keep your face to the sunshine you can’t see the shadows.

Count your blessings

There are so many good things in your life. Look at the blue sky, watch the sunset, go for a good run, have some ice cream. Be thankful for your family. Be thankful for a home. Be thankful for food. There are people worse off than you.

See the good

Bring out the best in people. Bring out the best in situations. Don’t assume. Don’t judge. You can’t control people or circumstances, but you can control your attitude. You can think positively and be light to others.

View setbacks as stepping stones

Don’t get frustrated when things don’t go your way. God knows what He’s doing, and He’s placing the right things in your life. When something doesn’t go according to plan, trust that there’s a better one. You are being moved. Believe in that.

Pray

Pray for a positive attitude each day. Pray to recognize your blessings and see the good. Pray for others. Pray to have faith.

Smile

Such a simple thing. Smiles are contagious, so shine those pearly whites. Smile at strangers, smile at your friends, smile at your dog. It could make someone’s day.

Having the right attitude will fill you with energy and peace. Be a light to those around you. Redirect your mind. Today is your day if you allow it to be.