One of this life's biggest challenges is keeping a positive and pro-active attitude during times of despair.  Everyone goes through bouts of depression, fear, and anxiety.  Some days feel like a blessing to be alive, and other days feel like a curse – wishing, hoping, and praying that it would all just come to a screeching halt because life hasn’t turned out like you had planned.  Whether it be dealing with getting older, stress from family members, financial problems, or possibly a career that you thought was promising on the first day at the office that turned out to be a nightmare.  If you believe in God (or even a Higher Power), you have to realize that everything belongs to Him.  Even if you don’t believe in God, you have to agree that no one takes any of this with them when they die – not their spouse, house, car, clothes, computer, business, or bank account.

• Leverage Free Will

Every person on this planet has this unique characteristic since day one.  Albeit, much of living involves the involuntary (breathing, sneezing, dreaming, or twitching), but a good chunk of reality is up to the individual and their free range of choices.   You might think it’s time to fry up some bacon and eggs and put on a movie when what you really should be doing is putting on your headphones and taking a jog in the park.

• Serve As You Know How

If you’re wondering why you aren’t content or pleased with the way your life is, try and reach out and serve the underprivileged.  This might mean serving breakfast at your local homeless shelter, volunteering at an AA/NA meeting, or donating to a charitable cause of your choice.  Don’t think about it – DO IT!!

• Start A Blog

Yes.  Fair enough.  I’m using this third point to promote my website:  thetangibletangerine.blogspot.com -  Why not?  I’ve been a ‘project guy’ as long as I can remember.  The daily discipline of reading and writing improves your vocabulary and social skills.  Don’t worry if you think it’s dumb or insignificant; it might be your greatest asset.