Staying Strong in Tough Times

I look around everyday and see people struggling in these tough times. As I look as these people I see they fall into two very different groups. There are those that always keep their heads up and keep moving forward, and there are those that are eaten alive by their conditions. I don't want to fall into the latter group. Everyday I wake up and continue to remind myself that we are going to make it, we are going to see the other side. I have to be strong. I learned as a young child that just because I was a woman doesn't mean that I can't be strong, that I can't lead my family to success. I try everyday to possess the type of strength that I want my children to possess. I want my children to always feel safe and secure, even if the world is falling in around us. I am blessed to have family members who teach this to me all the time. I believe that if I keep my head up and keep smiling that I can overcome whatever challenges arise in my life. I know these times are hard, but I refuse to let it take me down. I am committed to staying calm and staying focused. I will take it day by day, hour by hour, and minute by minute. If I get to far ahead of myself I know disaster is waiting on the other side. I continually find strength in myself that I never knew existed. I have decided to be the rock in my family. I will be the one to hold us up and push us through, and I will do so with a smile on my face. How will I do this? I will live in a constant state of gratitude. I am grateful, I am grateful, I am grateful. I am grateful for all that I have in my life. What are you grateful for today?