Today’s Brilliance from Denise Messenger

No one gets through life unscathed by immense challenges, which often shake us to our core. When an event occurs that forces us to dig deep within our souls, we need to ask ourselves, “Why am I here on earth and to what greater purpose?” – only then can we come to a better understanding and appreciation for life.

We all get caught up in our daily routines and the many challenges that come our way. It is how we deal with these that define us. We can choose happiness or sadness. The decisions we make always have consequences and, at one time or another, we all have made good or bad choices, which have positive or negative outcomes.

One person can make a huge difference in making the world of people a better place. Every time we do something in life, it creates a chain reaction. Taking personal responsibility is how we can shine on a daily basis. The great thing about life is you sometimes get the chance to make something right you got wrong.

When you wake up in the morning, ask yourself what big or small gesture can you make to bring even a small moment of joy to someone else. Do you want to continue going down the same road on a straight path, perhaps with blinders on? What if today was the day you decided to take a turn off that familiar road and go left or right—smile at a stranger, open a door, lend a helpful hand, or give some kind words? Only then by your well-intended actions will the true meaning of life and giving come into focus along with the rewards.

When you see someone obviously in pain, help to ease it. Give them a smile, tell a story to make them laugh, engage in conversation to distract them from their “moment of reality” over a difficult situation. Ask yourself what you could do to make their life less stressful and their suffering even lighter. We all are capable of giving love if we can step outside our own pain long enough to help others.

There is one thing you can always be sure of—someone else has it tougher than you. So when you are having a difficult day, look around and know there are solutions to your problems. Choose never to take the easy way out, no matter what hardship or challenge you are dealing with. Have faith in yourself. There are amazing possibilities that can unfold when you put positive energy out into the universe.

Have gratitude for your family, friends, and community in which you live. Appreciate every single precious day. We may not know our destiny, but we have this very moment—we have today! We are here on earth for such a short time. Make the most of it and celebrate in the excitement and anticipation of a new day.