Do you view the stressful changes of your daily life as a threat, or as a challenge and opportunity? People who are able to take change in stride and respond in a balanced way tend to hold a personally empowered and self-encouraging attitude. They have the confidence and trust that they can handle challenging situations and positively affect the course of their lives. They view change as an opportunity, not as a threat.

A reporter once asked Albert Einstein: "Dr. Einstein, if you could ask the universe a single question and receive a direct reply, what would you ask?" His reply came swiftly, as though he had pondered the question for a long time: "Is the universe friendly?" Pause for a moment to reflect on Einstein’s question. What do you think? How would you live if the universe were truly friendly and supportive of you?

Moment to moment, the attitudinal lenses that you choose to wear color your world for better or for worse. Experience the difference between being appreciative or being critical, or between viewing yourself as a victim or holding a more empowered attitude. Adopting an optimistic attitude toward the universe at large and the immediate challenges you face allows you to tap into a greater reservoir of creative energy potential that helps you maintain an even keel.

The first step is to recognize the attitude your are holding, and notice whether it diminished or enhances your energy and effectiveness. Then, without sacrificing realism, experiment with embodying a more positive outlook that will keep you buoyant and balanced on the sea of constant change.