I went looking for the advantages of negative self-talk and now I know it’s my super power.   Can you expand your perspective on a nagging flaw and make it YOUR super power?  Try it and you may just uncover a great fortune in your misfortune.  

I feel gratitude for missed deadlines, dog vomit, unstable internet connections, and the endless knots in my daughter’s hair each morning. 

Maybe rather than happy birthday, I wish you a whole birthday.  May it be filled with meaning, purpose, and appreciation for your many advantages.

Next time you find everything around you looks sad, scary or disappointing, ask yourself, “what am I seeking right now?”

It’s not difficult for me to think of dozens of choices and actions that caused me or others pain—everything from staying in a relationship too long to eating brussels sprouts before yoga.

“If you’re looking for sunshine and rainbows, I’m not your gal.  Think of me more like storm clouds and rainbows.  Life is messy and painful and hard and I don’t side-step or sugar coat that stuff.  We need ALL of the feelings and experiences.  I won’t shelter you from the downpour, but I will definitely dance with you in the puddles.”