When life deals you lemons, make lemonade. Yes, I know it sounds corny. I’ve had  many lemons. Now  I’m quite fond of lemonade. It was a time I didn’t think positive. It was a time when I didn’t stay encouraged. To be transparent, it was a time I just wallowed in self pity and doubt. I believed that I was a magnet for doom and gloom. I built a world of discouragement.  And in that world I couldn’t see pass the wall. So here’s the million dollAr question, how do i stay encouraged?  And is staying encouraged, possible? Of course, but you have to dig deep to keep the momentum.

The key to how I stay encouraged is placing situations into 2 categories. A God-thing or a Shay-thing. I asked myself is this something I can handle or God. In most cases, it’s a God-thing. I try not to waste precious time figuring out things I just don’t understand. Besides I learned worrying don’t change anything.

Another key to how I stay encouraged and motivated is encouraging others. No matter what,I give the most positive outcome. Despite how it looks. It may be a fact but it doesn’t has to be a truth.

I once believed that I wouldn’t be able to finish college because of a reading test I failed 4x. Yes, 4x. The first 2x I took it, I felt that I should just come up with a back up plan. A plan to replace my college dream. But instead I took a class that helped me better prepare for the test. I did an exceptional job in the class so when it came time to take the test, my confidence was on high. Yet, I didn’t pass the test and I wasn’t distraught. I was quite in encouraged. I made a deal with myself that as long as I stay positive and know that I will eventually pass it. The fact was I failed the test more times than average and it was mostly likely that I wouldn’t pass. Those were the facts but my truth was I was going to pass the test and I wouldn’t give up no matter the outcome. I eventually passed the test and completed college with honors. All the statistics, and facts were not favorable to me but I know facts are not truths. That’s why I don’t hesitate to tell someone to believe different no matter what’s against them.