One random act of kindness can set off a chain reaction. Be the first to pay it forward and see what happens. I swore when I sat down to write this, that it wouldn't be a post about September 11th. What could I possibly say that others have not said far more eloquently. I was fortunate to not have lost anybody in the tragedies, at least not directly. I know people who lost loved ones, but I was blessed to have not lost anybody close to me. I usually write posts about positive things, and the events of September 11th were perhaps the most least positive thing I could ever think of. Then I started really thinking, and I realized how wrong I was (as usual). What happened was not positive - and there is nothing that will ever be said or done to convince me, or the rest of the America, otherwise. But there were so many positive things that happened as a RESULT, and that's what we need to focus on. People helping one another, people working together, people sharing information, and resources, and providing support for one another. And a nation that came together and said we…

We can choose to be happy or chose to be miserable. Both take the same amount of work. So choose to be happy. I know people are reading this and saying "No way!" and to that, I say "Yes way!" Being happy takes an effort. You have to work at it and make an effort to be happy. Really, happiness does not come and find you, you have to go out and find happiness. There are times that are very happy and filled with joy. What amazes me that even in the face of all those happy times, some people put a tremendous amount of energy into being miserable. The same could be said for misery. You have to work to be miserable. It doesn't come naturally to us. Sure bad things happen - they happen all the time, unfortunately. And when those bad things happen, you can choose to wallow in the misery, or you can fight through it - it takes effort, sure, but fight through it you can and find some happiness. So if it takes time, effort and energy to be happy, and it takes time, effort and energy to be miserable, why not work for…

You've heard the expression hitch your wagon to a star - well why not be the star to which others hitch their wagons? Seriously. Don't waste your time riding on the coattails of someone else. You are an incredible and amazing person and you are destined to do fantastic things. Blaze that trail to your future and watch all those other people follow you.

We're always so busy cheering others on, sometimes we forget to cheer ourselves on - so GO US! So many of us spend so much of our time being supportive of others.  We cheer on our children, we lend a hand to a friend, we encourage our spouses or significant others.  We aid or neighbors, help co-workers, volunteer and a provide support in a myriad of ways.  We can be cheerleaders for the world.  But what about ourselves?  How often do we cheer on ourselves?  I know in my case the answer is nowhere near enough.  In fact, I can be my own worst "cheer downer."  Take time to cheer yourself on.  Be proud of the things you do for others, but take some time and do something for yourself.  You'll feel better about yourself and in turn will be able to cheer everybody else on even more.

When you focus on your dreams, your inner gleam goes from a glimmer to a glow that lights up the world. Do you know that feeling you get inside when you have a sudden burst or inspiration, or find the solution to a pesky problem, or make an amazing discovery that leads you on a new journey, path, goal or dream? Well that feeling you feel on the inside shows up on the outside also. It's like you have been lit up from within and the light is so bright, that you can't contain it inside of you and it shines out through you and lights up the world.  And use your light to help light up the world of those around you by sharing your thoughts, goals and dreams with them.  Together you can light up the world.