Yes, I know that sounds as if I am wearing rose coloured glasses or am a few brain cells short given the many problems which abound these days but it is nevertheless true. We can only determine that over which we have control and our attitudes are most assuredly ours to determine. Determining that we will face whatever problems we may confront as the day progresses with a positive attitude goes a very long way toward resolving whatever issue we may confront. No, we cannot solve the problems created by others, or change the course of events over which we have no say in a substantive way, but we can determine how we deal with those issues and whether or not we will personally make a positive contribution on that day to the well being of not only ourselves but those for whom we care.

"Oh, woe is me " is indulging in the most blatant form of self indulgence.  Certainly there are times when we all feel like letting go and wallowing in self pity but when has that attitude ever solved anything ? When has that attitude ever made any of us feel better when facing the problems, and heartbreaks which are a part of life for all of us ? None of us gets a ride through this journey called life without bumps along the way. Some may even seem like insurmountable obstacles when they occur but if we meet those situations with a positive attitude rather than giving up in despair we invariably find they most times can be managed. Or at least we can make the effort to deal with and overcome them less difficult for ourselves and those for whom we care.

I truly believe none of us is ever given a problem we are not equipped to handle if we only reach inside and find the strength which is there waiting to be called upon. We may not resolve it as we might wish, it may be one over which we have no say as to the ultimate resolution, but we do have the capacity within us to cope with the situation if we just make the effort to accept that none of us goes through life without problems and sorrows. Whether we  face this and deal with it and get on with life or not is entirely in our hands. Frequently, when things look their worst it is only because we haven't the common sense to accept that it is truly out of our hands. We have done our best. We can survive. And we will.

But we do have the responsibility to participate in the process. Simply saying we have no control over decisions which affect our lives is a complete cop out. We can, and do have the right to make our feelings and beliefs known to those charged with making the decisions which determine the futures of not only ourselves but those most affected by those determinations ... those who will follow us. If we fail to do so we must share the responsibility for the failures and mistakes which will certainly lead to multiple problems in the future.

I know I am sounding as if I have all the answers. I do not. But I do know that facing whatever life throws our way with an attitude attuned to refusing to give up and facing those things with which we  may feel unable to cope results in fewer problems with which we will  be confronted in days to come. Although fate presents the circumstances, how we react depends on our character. Events are determined not so much by what life brings to us as by the attitude we bring to life, not so much by what happens to us as by the way our minds look at what happens. Everything can be taken from us but one thing, the last of the human freedoms ... to choose one’s attitude in any given set of circumstances, to choose one’s own way.