People often ask me how I can be so positive, so happy and (mostly) calm with all I have to deal with in my life. And it isn't just all on the outside for everyone else to see - most of the time I really do feel those things on the inside. Yes, my life has been difficult (you have no idea how much). Yes, I am disabled with multiple health issues and I don't have a day without pain anymore. I have mobility issues. I live with my brother so we can both pay bills and still eat every month. Life is not easy.

A year ago I couldn't give myself one reason why I shouldn't give up - except there's just something inside me that wouldn't go along with that. Something deep in my soul keeps saying, "keep trying, give it another day, tomorrow will be better; you'll be okay" ... and so I do.

I don't ignore my difficulties - I find ways to work through or around them whenever possible. I do my best to take care of myself. And I look outside myself to see what I can do for someone else to make a difference. When I do that consistently, I always begin to find the silver linings. People help me; they show me kindness and understanding. They show me in tangible ways that I'm not alone and that my life means something to them ... and it strengthens my own resolve to make my life mean something to me as well.

When I express my gratitude every day - for being alive, having shelter and food to sustain me; for knowing there are many people who love me for who I am ... for the talents I've been blessed with; for the ability to help others even in the smallest ways .... I truly am happy in the deepest part of myself. There is always a reason to be grateful.

Thanks for this wonderful post.