I choose to...

  Recently I read a post on Facebook which said: 

     "You have a CHOICE each and every single day.
         I CHOOSE to feel BLESSED.
         I CHOOSE to feel GRATEFUL.
         I CHOOSE to be EXCITED.
         I CHOOSE to be THANKFUL.
         I CHOOSE to be HAPPY."   

Obviously there are other choices that can be added or replace the ones listed, but those indicated are excellent. What would you add/change? Would they be 'feel' or 'be' additions/changes? There is little question that the listed ones are positives but they also aren't rose colored. One must realize and understand the opposite condition plus have an understanding of what's 'reality' in order to choose. None of these qualities/conditions are unimportant and the positive contributions they make to your life and attitudes can't be underestimated.

  The operable word is 'choose'. It is not a denial nor ignoring whatever your situation is but it is declaring that even in the midst of my circumstances I still choose (fill in the blank). This is a character building time. When, in your 'situation', you choose to be and feel and then act blessed, grateful, excited, thankful, and/or happy you make a tremendous statement about who you are and what you value. It also provides a witness to others that they too can choose to live their life positively even in their 'midst'.

  What many of us fail to realize is that each day we make significant and visible choices. Sometimes they are subtle and sometime they are major changes in our lives. Sometimes it's situations that we never thought would happen to us but now we must deal with and it isn't simple. But whether by design - overtly or covertly - we all choose what and who we are. Many times it will be the realization that you can't carry whatever is your load but when you turn to the Lord and remember Matthew 11:28-30, you know He is with you and will give you rest. Thus... we can choose blessed, grateful, excited, thankful, happy rather than their opposites.