Joy-what does it mean to you? Do you find joy in your child's smile when you come home from work, or do you think there is only joy in the big things, like a new car or winning the lottery? Let's face it, both these things are joyful, but it's the way you look at them that helps you to bring even mor joy into your life.

Many people say that they hate their job. Okay, it may not be your dream job, but at least you're working. How many people have no job to go to? So.put a little spring in your step as you walk to work. There are hundreds of people who would change places with you in a New York minute. The same with where you live. You HAVE a place to live. Go downtown in any major city and see the many homeless people pushing shopping carts with all they own in this world. They'll change places with you real fast!

Change the way you look at things. Find joy in even the smallest things. Remember when you were a kid and you woke up thinking "Ugh, another school day" and then realized it was Saturday! The room became brighter and the world opened up. How did you feel then? Pretend it's Saturday today! Years ago, I had a teacher who was sitting at her desk enjoying a bran muffin. When i asked her what was so great about the muffin  when there was so much other stuff to get excited about; stuff like lots of money and new cars.She said "My dear, being grateful for the small stuff gets you the big stuff."

She's right! Being grateful and joyful about the little things changes your perspective and opens your heart for the bigger,better stuff to come as well. Positive expectation brings about positive results.

You have a choice each day. A clean slate for you to write on. Will you write words of joy and appreciation today? How much do you want to be happy? You decide.