Staying positive in a world full of negatives

I'm currently reading Your Best Life Now by Joel Osteen, when I'm feeling a bit stressed and pessimistic it's really tough to read this "be positive" stuff and especially to put it into practice. I suppose that is when I need it most!

Early into the second chapter I've found a suggestion that I like/would like to implement, so I'm posting it as a reminder to myself and to share it with anyone needing a boost:

"It's important that you program your mind for success. That won't happen automatically. Each day, you must choose to live with an attitude that expects good things to happen to you. The bible says, "Set your mind and keep it set on the higher things." When you get up in the morning, the first thing you should do is set your mind in the right direction. Say something such as "This is going to be a great day. God is guiding and directing my steps. His favor is surrounding me. Goodness and mercy are following me. I'm excited about today!" Start your day with faith and expectancy, and then go out anticipating good things. Expect circumstances to change in your favor. Expect people to go out of their way to help you. Expect to be at the right place at the right time."

So, I resolve to try and make this a regular part of my daily routine (even on the days that I feel like complete and utter crap :)

1st Time Tent Camping

We went to the Renessaince Festival this weekend and I got to see Bellydancing!! Which probably excites me more than it should, forgot to take pictures though b/c I was being attacked by bees and drinking yummy margaritas.

Then it was off to the New River for my first time . . . tent camping. I helped with the tent pitching ;) and since our little bundles of fire wood that costed a bundle didn't last long enough I also helped gather wood but it was slim pickin's. It was FREEZING, we should have taken a heater! And best of all, the air mattress I borrowed from the rents must have sprung a leak b/c we were on the walnut cover ground by about 5 AM.

Sat in the car with the heat on for a bit, then my sexy man worked up the nerve to go refill the mattress and we slept a few more hours with tons more clothes on.We were going to go canoeing (aka a float trip, which requires liquor fyi) but it was just wayyy too cold!!! So today we hiked all over Stone Mountain, I'm exhausted but inspite of it all, I had a BLAST and can't wait to do it again, 'cept this time we will have a good air mattress and a heater and sleeping bags.

PS- Incase you didn't realize: Enduring all that with a smile on my face (most of the time) means I'm hardcore.








Anyone care to share their camping experiences?

Starting a business . . . is exciting and scary.

I actually haven't made any progress except for scouting locations (I want to find a great one for a great deal, aka something I can afford). I know I may be going about things a little different from the normal, but I have a plan and it makes sense to me. I'm interesting in starting a health food/general store. The building I looked at today is definetly a "fixer-upper" but I think it has real potential and the price is reasonable, unlike the $1 million place I saw earlier this week for .3 acres with a run-down tiny building on it.

I have had it in my head for a long time to start a business so I have done lots of research and will soon begin work on my kick-ass business plan. So, any advice would be much appreciated. I'm terrified, and possibly the most excited that I have ever been!

I'm thinking about purchasing this property, keeping my full-time job for now while I work on fixing it up and getting it ready for business (will take a while), moving back in with my parents (Oh my) and using what I would have payed in apartment rent as my monthly payment on the property. All the while thoroughly planning this business out and putting money away for my initial investment until I am fully ready to make the jump. Also I want to turn the back part of the building into a small "apartment" for myself so I won't have to keep living with the 'rents (love 'em to death, but I also love my freedom and the idea of rolling out of bed and already being at work).

Guess I better get busy . . . sounds like I've got a LOT to do!

Satisfaction . . . guaranteed?

My most important life lesson . . . learning to be satisfied with what I've got. I'm not saying to settle for your life right now to be "as good as it gets". Absolutely not, reach for the stars, figure out exactly what you want your life to be and challenge yourself to work towards that every day! BUT; you should still make a point to recognize the blessings in your life right now. If you can't be thankful for the things you already have, you may never find true satisfaction and joy in your life.

For me personally, I absolutely want to own my own business someday (SOON), to live on the Lake (you gotta dream big), and to drive a nice, sexy sports car. I believe I can acheive all this and I will work hard for it, but I can also honestly say I love my life RIGHT NOW. I have a good job that I (for the most part) enjoy, I think about 98% of my coworkers are awesome (which is rare, especially considering we have over 100 employees) and I can can totally deal with the other 2%. I have an awesome, sexy boyfriend whom I love and who inspires me everyday to be better in every possible way. My car gets me where I need to be and I don't owe a dime on it. My apartment is small but cute, and again, I have no debt!

Best of all I've figured out what kind of business I want to own, so now I just have to make it happen. I think I will have fun with that. Wish me luck.

Anyone have anything to add? Suggestions and/or encouragement are always welcome! The only thing not allowed here is negativity (sorry worry-warts and sour-pusses)