In our daily life we experience many natural feelings the key is how do we let these emotions affect us. The healthy choice is to look at the positives to get us through the day. It is like a fuel gauge when were full of positive energy we are more likely to be more happy, focus and inspired. While an empty fuel gauge represents negativity such as frustration, tiredness and sadness. To be more positive we must retrain our thought process to listen to ourselves choosing to be happy and positive no matter what happens. I every day I use my meditation and yoga practice to focus on the good in life. Check out my favorite book on living the positive lifestyle called ADD MORE ing TO YOUR LIFE: A Hip Guide to Happiness by Gabrielle Bernstein at http://www.amazon.com/Add-More-ING-YOur-Life/dp/084371655X

I recently came across an article that completely shocked me.  A South Carolina newspaper reported that during a town hall meeting their Lieutenant Governor Andre Bauer made a very disturbing statement regarding welfare recipients:  “My grandmother was not a highly educated woman, but she told me as a small child to quit feeding stray animals.  You know why? Because they breed.  You’re facilitating the problem if you give an animal or person ample food supply.  They will reproduce, especially ones who don’t think too much further than that.  And so what you’ve got to do is you’ve got to curtail that type of behavior. They don’t know any better”.

He later clarified that what he meant to say was that the government is allowing individuals to become too dependent on public assistance.

I truly believe that were all equal and should not be judged on race, gender, disability or economic status.  We all deserve to treated with respect and love.  Just because some may need more assistance doesn’t mean they are not smart or successful.  What matter is what is in your heart and soul that makes you a success.

I have always practiced karma yoga, the action of helping others.  There is not a better feeling you can get from making life better for someone.  Even a small gesture can go a long way. As a society, instead of judging and making assumptions we should work together to improve the quality of life for every one because we are all equals.

check out my weekly column http://www.masslive.com/living/index.ssf/2010/03/first_friday_group_offers_support.html

In our vocabulary, there are many words that can be offensive when describing people with disabilities, such as retarded and handicapped.  Even statements that are made can just as hurtful and damaging such as “deaf and dumb,” These types of statements can lead to stereotyping, misperceptions and discrimination.  It can lead to feelings of anger and belittlement.  These feelings can lead to low self-esteem, discouragement and in some cases, depression.

We as a society must remember how powerful the spoken word carries in our language.  We must consider others’ feelings and not to judge them on the basis of their disability.  The key lesson is to put the person first rather than their disability.  Since the disability is a characteristic that is a part of them and that they have many more qualities that outweigh their disabilities.  We must remember Martin Luther Kings words of judging people by character rather than color of one’s skin, which is analogous to judging a person on the basis of their disability

Being an eternal optimist, I always look for the good in people and any situation because it is that postive energy that helps cope with life.  Being happy and positive is a state of mind that begins on the inside moving outwards.  Every day being positive is a personal choice we can make.  We can keep this attitude through a variety of ways, such as positive affirmations, meditation and journaling.  When things get too tough just step back and refocus on something fun and happy.  Once refreshed come back ready to tackle the situation with renewed energy.  I believe with love and optimism in our hearts there isn’t anything we can’t survive. Just remember to take one step at a time while remembering to keep love in our hearts.