That has not half the power to do me harm, as I have to be hurt.
—William Shakespeare—
Each day is streaming with activities around which we choose attitudes and reactions. Any one circumstance might anger us today, even though yesterday it triggered laughter. No event, within itself, has the power to determine our feelings or our reactions. How fortunate that this is so. However, we pretend exactly the reverse. “He makes me mad!” “You’ve really hurt my feelings.” With ease we really refuse to take responsibility for whatever mood we’re in.
A sure sign of mental and emotional health is acknowledgment of our personal power—power over our feelings, our attitudes, our behavior in every instance. When we celebrate this power, we are energized; we anticipate, confidently, the situation moving toward us, secure in the knowledge that we can make them beneficial to our growth if we so choose.
How much easier it is to face each new day knowing that it has no power over us.
I go forth today ready to take control of my attitude and my behavior. My day will be just as good as I make it.