It’s so easy to focus on what’s wrong in the world. Earthquakes, tsunamis, nuclear meltdowns, contaminated drinking water, famine—the list goes on. Just 30 minutes of network news is enough to ruin several nights’ sleep.

In our personal lives we can also choose to focus on the negative—health problems, aging parents, financial situations, children’s behavior, career concerns.

But being happy is a choice. Regardless of the “crises” you’re facing, you can always choose to look on the bright side. Always. In every single situation, bar none, there is a way to reframe it so we see the hope instead of total despair.

When I tore my Achille’s tendon, I thought it was the worst thing that ever happened to me. And then it turned out that being in a wheelchair for three months gave me the opportunity to explore writing as a career—something I may not have done had I not had some extended “down” time.

When I didn’t get a job I wanted, it turned out a better one was right around the corner. When a relationship went sour, a better man was waiting in the wings. When my cat unexplainably disappeared, it gave me the guiltless freedom to travel the whole summer before giving a good home to another shelter animal.

Silver linings are everywhere! Stop right now and reframe the one thing that’s giving you the most grief today. If you can’t find the blessing in there somewhere, send me a note and we’ll find it together.

Since I started practicing the Law of Attraction, I’ve become a whiz at focusing on the positive, and you can too! Start today by keeping a gratitude journal. You’ll be amazed at the way the universe is providing you with limitless opportunities for JOY!

Then turn off the television news; you’ll be glad you did!