I Choose to Smile ☺️

I am that annoyingly happy person that sees the silver lining in the storm cloud. I am that published author and blogger that writes to inspire and encourage those having a rough day.

Reading through my social media tonight made me kind of sad. Many of the posts are addressing an injustice, someone has done them wrong. Others are not feeling well. Some are upset because their life is not going well, and others are disappointed in their jobs, businesses, or book sales. I often comment on posts encouraging them to keep going or pointing out the awesome side of what’s going on. I know it’s sometimes not what you want to hear, but why perpetuate the negative.

Look closely at what is happening in your life. What can you take from an event, or comment that is positive? Will this negative moment matter in the morning? Are you making the matter worse by bemoaning what is going on?

That person who did you wrong, showed you what to look for next time. The blog that pirated your novel, taught you to be more careful who you give your work to. The contest winner who was rude taught you to put a disclaimer on your contest. That Facebook friend who shared your links without being asked showed you true friendship. The relative who bought your book showed you true support.

Let me tell you, when my daughter died, I wanted to die. I know I’m alive for a reason, there are still things I’m meant to accomplish. There are still people that I am meant to encourage.

When my first marriage ended I knew it was time to do more with my life. Slowly I began to let my voice be heard. Over the years I have confidently listened to many women, offering what advice I could, hoping it would make their lives easier.

When I received negative comments on my novels, I took that as constructive criticism and moved on. Some loved them, others hated them. That’s how life is, it would be impossible to please everyone.

Through it all I learned a very important lesson. People who are consistently negative are not worth the effort. In my life they are moved to the back row, and others who are interested in a positive lifestyle are moved to the front of my life. That is my choice. I choose not to be mean, I try hard not to be negative and I live my life my way.

I know life is short and as I grow older it seems the years move very fast. Time is a valuable resource and must be used accordingly. I write to reach more people, to try to extend hope to those who feel lost and alone. As I write this blog it is my hope that those who need a little lift, a ray of sunshine, will connect with me. Together we can do anything.