Do you live by The Optimist's Creed?

We all have stress. We all have times where we can feel down, defeated, and challenged. The question is, what do we do in those times of challenge? How do we feel? React? Think? If we allow those times to constantly drag us down, we'll never move forward, progress, and be happy.

The best thing to do is to start with the right mindset so that when trials and tribulations arise, we are in the right frame of mind and of the right attitude that we can not only handle the situation, but learn and grow from it.

In 1912 author and thought leader Christian Larson developed "The Optimist's Creed" - a mantra for positive thinking:

Promise Yourself:

To be so strong that nothing can disturb your peace of mind.

To talk health, happiness, and prosperity to every person you meet.

To make all your friends feel that there is something worthwhile in
them.

To look at the sunny side of everything and make your optimism come
true.

To think only of the best, to work only for the best and to expect
only the best.

To be just as enthusiastic about the success of others as you are
about your own.

To forget the mistakes of the past and press on to the greater
achievements of the future.

To wear a cheerful expression at all times and give a smile to every
living creature you meet.

To give so much time to improving yourself that you have no time to
criticize others.

To be too large for worry, too noble for anger, too strong for fear,
and too happy to permit the presence of trouble.

To think well of yourself and to proclaim this fact to the world, not
in loud word, but in great deeds.

To live in the faith that the whole world is on your side, so long as
you are true to the best that is in you.

Consider adopting all or pieces of it for yourself. It can be used as a daily affirmation or a resource to review when you start to think pessimistically - a friendly reminder that we control our thoughts and emotions and can choose to be positive and happy.