Morning Possibilities

I love waking up early on Wednesday mornings because the time is mine. My students work with a computer program these days, so I don't have to plan for Language Arts. I can enjoy a cup of coffee, watch the news, sit with Monty, write in my journal...This morning I wrote, "Today I choose to be happy." Lately, if someone tells me to choose my mood, it makes me feel annoyed and sends me into a tailspin. My job is stressful, yes, but there is power in choosing. Today I feel that, and I am grateful.

When I was sixteen, my mom gave me Norman Vincent Peale's The Power of Positive Thinking. I read it cover to cover and - coincidence or not - had the best couple years of my life. The strength of my soul during that time of my life I remember now and aspire to. I know I will have it again.