Look on the bright side or be unhappy. It’s your choice.

A happy life is just a string of happy moments. But most people don’t allow the happy moment, because they’re so busy trying to get a happy life. -- Esther (Abraham and Jerry)

I love this quote. It’s so true!!

But I think the point of it is really to slow down and take in whatever is happening. And, trust me, there is always something to take in – even in the most difficult moments. And, yes, I’m talking about the bright side.

Choosing happiness – choosing the bright side – is a choice we all get to make every day.

Difficult moment: Your stuck in traffic, and you’re going to be late. You can feel your blood pressure spiking.

Bright side: It’s 2017. You have options. Have a cellphone? Great! Call or text to let someone know. Near an exit? Great! Maybe try to get off the road and seek an alternative route. Have a radio? Great! Try tuning into a funny drive-time show or even put in a relaxing CD. It’s a delay, not a disaster. That’s definitely something to be happy about.

Difficult moment: Your child has a fever. It’s the middle of the night, and you know this means no one is getting a good night’s sleep.

Bright side: You are there. You are there to comfort, to calm and to care for your child. You are a smart parent, and you know what to do. Give yourself the time and permission to take in what is happening. No one wants more for your child than you do, and when your child is sick – he/she wants no one more than you. That will always be something to cherish and be happy about.

Difficult moment: You come home from work to discover you’ve been robbed.

Bright side: You weren’t home when it happened. When you consider that 38% of all assaults reported to law enforcement happen during a home invasion/robbery situation, you not being home to surprise an intruder is definitely a bright side. Things can be replaced. You can’t. When it happened to me, I was definitely happy when I considered the other side of the situation.

These are just a few examples. I’m sure you have some, as well – and I’ve love to hear them!!

How do you find the bright side in a bad situation?