Not long ago, I was talking with a colleague about a challenge she was facing. Over the past year, she had braved a number of different family and financial difficulties and was feeling worn down and tired.<\/p>\n

“I know what to do… I just can’t seem to get my ‘positive attitude’ in gear,” she said.<\/p>\n

We talked about a few more steps she could take, but I could tell that she was disappointed with my ‘answer.’ I think she wanted a pep talk. But, you know what? Under the circumstances, I didn’t think that she should<\/strong> put on a happy face. In fact, had she not been feeling overwhelmed, I would have been quite concerned about her.<\/p>\n

Everyone faces tragedy and adversity from time to time; to deny our feelings in those periods is not all that healthy. In reality, no matter how rotten we feel and how much our friends tell us we’re entitled to feel that way, we still have to go on.<\/p>\n

Feelings are not facts and it is not necessary to feel optimistic in order to take action. Or, as my friends in the recovery community say to “do the next right thing.”<\/p>\n

I’d like to introduce you to someone else who thinks that way. Paul Boynton has written a lovely little book called Begin With Yes!<\/a><\/p>\n

Frankly, when I first heard about it, I was not sure what to expect. I was delighted to discover that Paul and I share several beliefs:<\/p>\n

* that there is always a solution
\n*that having questions is a good thing
\n*that we don’t have to feel ‘positive’ to take a small step in a positive direction. Just begin.<\/p>\n

The book is subtitled “the law of attraction meets the law of action.” I like that. And I like Paul. I had hoped to post his video ‘intro’ here to give you a little energy boost but he seems to be having ‘technical issues.’<\/p>\n

When they’re resolved, I’ll post the video. Until then, I leave you with an ‘old favorite’ picture.<\/p>\n

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