I am amazed when I ask someone what is wrong and they give me an immediate and detailed response. Sigh. A laundry list of troubles.

But when I ask someone out of the blue what is going their way, they do a double take. They look at me skeptically, narrow their eyes and tilt their head to the side to determine if this is a trick question. If they decide I am curious and sincere they tread carefully when listing the things they have going for them.

It can be a habit to keep score of what isn't perfect right now or what needs fixing. When we focus on what's not quite right, we expand the negative.

It can also become a habit to be aware of and appreciative of what is good right now, what can be built on. When we focus on what we do have, we expand the positive.

Negative or positive assessment- it's a conscious choice that with a little practice evolves into a skill and then an outlook. It works both ways.

from my home blog at: allwaysoptions.blogspot.com