My last video blog on 9-10-10 is about living life to the fullest. I spoke about a man who had passed away recently and how it reminded me that life is short. Since that video two more men that I knew and cared about passed away.

It is another reminder that life is short and that we need to live life everyday as if it might be our last. Now, after three deaths in 30 days, it would be easy for me to be mad at the world or God. How do you react when life doesn't feel fair, something doesnt go your way, or when bad things happen? How do you stay positive when negative things happen? It's easier to be happy and positive when things are going good. The test of your attitude will be during difficult times. Life isn't always fair, people will hurt your feelings, people will disappoint you, people pass away and you will make mistakes. Yet, I believe you need to always choose joy and be positive. How do I stay positive?

1. Faith. My faith is in God and his plan. I believe God has a plan for all of us. I read my Bible when I am down to lift me up. I trust in God.

2. Gratitude. I list all that I am grateful for in my head as a mental list or in a journal that I can refer to. Both work well, it just depends on the situation. I always feel better because no matter what happens I always have something to be thankful for.

3. I look for a lesson. I try to learn from my experience. There is always a lesson to learn.

4. I surround myself with positive, encouraging people.

5. I help others. Serving others and giving to others replenishes my energy.

Know that I allow myself to feel sad, yet I have a positive outlook. When my dad passed away, I talked with my Pastor and I told him I was so sad, he reminded me it's ok to feel sad. It means I cared for my dad, my sadness is a reflection of my love for him. And then he helped me think about all that was happy in my life. How you react in difficult times does help define you.

Choose happiness!

So, how do you stay happy and positive? Please share with me what you do.