Gratefully Define Yourself With Hope and Hard Work

 As we make our way into 2014, I know we all want to believe this will be our best year yet.  There is something to be said for hope.  It can be motivational.  It can lift us above the disappointments of the past.  It can spur us on to thinking in positive, creative ways.  But what happens when we hit a bump in the road, and it feels more like a brick wall?

I think we can all agree, it's really easy to give up on our resolutions and dreams when obstacles present themselves.  But is that really necessary--or in our best interest?  What can we do when we have a vision of our future that simply isn't manifesting itself or, worse yet, seems beyond our reach in spite of our best efforts?  What can we do when circumstances seem to combine to make us a liar in the story of our own life as we dreamed and planned for it to be?

Like you, things don't always go my way.  I'm learning to deal with that.  I've come to find ways of picking myself up quite quickly and adjusting my thinking to a positive perspective, especially since I've gotten older and have faced more daunting problems.  Below, I've included a link to a young woman who is especially adept at this.  Her story is much more compelling than mine;  her obstacles much greater than any I have faced.  Listen to her and ask yourself, "What defines me?"

Gratefully, for each of us, life is the product of your own creation.  No matter what challenges you face, or who may attempt to dissuade you from your belief in your potential, it is YOU who are in charge of your life.  Click on the link, and be prepared to be inspired!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?annotation_id=channel%3A529518ab-0-2179-99e6-1a11c2d77a&feature=iv&src_vid=sohGDfNQV7M&v=c62Aqdlzvqk