I like to think - quietly - of myself as a swing coach.  And I don't mean golf. 

(The following contains words and ideas from Jarrod at Optimistic Journey.)

We all look at the cup as half empty from time to time. There may be occasions when you dwell on what is going against you, rather than focus on what you have going for you.

What truly matters is that we combat that temptation to focus on the negative, so that we can continue along the journey with the goal in mind.

You have the power to take control of those emotions that cause you to get discouraged. You can combat discouragement by the choices you make.

What motivates and inspires you? What have you found that has been proven to uplift and empower you?

Make a decision to avoid that which discourages you. Instead, dwell on those things that motivate and empower you. Take charge of those emotions within you.

Whenever you feel a sense of discouragement, that is the time to exercise the things that encourage you.

You are empowered and equipped to take on bigger and better things. But life is like a game of chess, you can’t conquer the enemy’s king if you’re focusing on the fact they just overtook your pawn. No, you have to stick to the game plan and focus on that which inspires you.

Alleviate discouragement.  Focus on that which encourages you. Notice a sense of empowerment you feel today as you charge forth on your journey of life!

Remember, life is a metaphor for poker.  Every game, every hand. - JDW

Pursue your dreams

not because you’re immune to heartbreak,

but because your real life,

your whole life,

is worth getting your heart broken

a few thousand times.

—Martha Beck

There's nothing,

and we think there is nothing at all;

but listen, that echo really answers.

- Japanese Zen saying.

You see nothing special. 

You hear nothing special. 

But the absence of something

is still something. 

So, pay attention. 

The answer is there. 

If you will just be mindful

of what you don't see. 

Or hear.

- JDW