Nancy Stoops M.A., M.F.T Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist

By Nancy Stoops, M.A.M.F.T.

Sometimes I ask people if they are dying to live or living to die.  They are two very different ways to live life.  These two ways of living involve having two very different attitudes.  If you are living to die, you are probably a negative person and always see the glass as half-empty.  I also think these people are fearful and always looking for what is wrong.  I never want to be part of this group.  On the other hand, if you are dying to live, you are probably a positive person and look at the glass as being half-full.  I know, because I am part of this group. We love life and want to experience all of it.  Instead of being fearful, we are adventurous and excited about the possibilities that each day brings.

So, take a moment and think about how you live and which one of these two groups you belong to.  Now that you have your answer, are you happy or do you wish you could change?  The truth is that we are really the only ones that can change how we live and how we think about out life.  I know from experience that life can be hard and it can throw us many curveballs.  We have power in how we choose to deal with those curveballs.  It’s sort of like the idea of making lemonade out of lemons.  We have power in choosing how we will react.  I’ve heard time and time again, what doesn’t kill us makes us stronger.  Boy, is this the truth!

You can start changing your life by looking at what is right with your life each and every day.  Work on being grateful for all that you are blessed with.  Decide today to be happy!

 This article was written by Nancy Stoops M.A., M.F.T.  Nancy is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist.  She has a private practice in Diamond Bar and is currently accepting new clients; she is also a motivational speaker who can inspire your employees or group members.  Nancy runs free family support groups, a group on loss for seniors, and groups on how to manage anger.    For more information about any of these services feel free to contact her at (909)229-072.  You may e-mail Nancy at nancyjstoops@verizon.net.  You may ask Purchase Nancy’s books Live Heal and Grow and Midnight the Therapy Dog at Amazon.com.