Sure, you have problems, and of course there are challenges and difficulties. The best way to move forward through those difficulties is by staying connected to the real, enduring goodness in your life.

Stop for a moment and think of five things in your life for which you can be truly thankful. Then consider what you could do to build and nurture those things, to make them more influential in your thoughts and your actions.

It's easy for the pressing problems of the moment to overwhelm your thinking. So it's up to you to provide a powerful, positive alternative.

When you have something to be thankful for, you have something real and valuable to go on. You have a solid foundation from which to build.

And no matter where you may be or what may have happened, you do indeed have many things for which you can be truly thankful. The more completely you stay connected to them, the more surely life will move in the direction you desire.