Well now, let me tell you something, kiddo. You’re running late for a meeting, traffic’s backed up for miles, and you’re sitting there fuming behind the wheel. You start grumbling, maybe even pounding the steering wheel a bit. I’ve been there too. But let me ask you one simple question—can you change it?

Unless you’ve suddenly learned how to fly over the cars or found a secret back road, the answer’s no. You can’t change it. So stop right there.

Take a deep breath. Say out loud five things you’re thankful for.
Maybe something like this:
“Today I’m alive.”
“Today I have a family who loves me.”
“Today I can choose to be joyful, even in traffic.”

Gratitude changes your heart faster than anger ever will.

When you feel that old tension creeping up, when you want to yell at the world, stop and ask yourself a better question:
“What can I do—positively—to change this situation?”
If there’s something you can do, do it. If not, accept it and let God fill you with His joy.

I know, it’s easier to say than to do. Believe me, I’ve learned that the hard way.

For those of us who like to think we’re in control, here’s a bit of truth: we’re not. We didn’t control the day we were born, and we won’t control the day we die. We’re just passing through for a short while.

So make it easier on yourself—and everyone around you—by being joyful for who you are, not what you have.

That’s the real secret to a good life.