I Believe- There are no accidents without value. No matter how difficult the circumstances in life, we can grow and learn from what happens to us – everything happens for a reason. Taking the time to find the value in these events is up to each of us.

I Believe- You can not change or heal what you do not acknowledge. For real and lasting growth to occur, we must first come to terms with our reality and see it for what it really is in order to reframe it and learn from it.

I Believe- Happiness is a choice. Each day we can either choose to face the day with a positive attitude or allow the obstacles and setbacks to overwhelm us and make us anxious and angry.

I Believe- Love can be eternal. While it’s true no one can make you happy, you can feel happiest about yourself when you are with someone who gives you the time and space to bring out the best in yourself.

I Believe- We all have a purpose in life. To find your purpose, make a list of all the things you want to accomplish in your life. The one that jumps off the page and makes you begin to cry is your purpose.

I Believe- Life and learning is a process. Try to avoid saying you can’t do something, instead, state, “I have not learned how to..,” or “I’m learning how to…”

I Believe- Never give up. The day you quit is the day before the goal or task is accomplished.

I Believe- We measure our progress in life incorrectly. Instead of measuring where you are now to where you want to be, measure yourself from where you have been.

I Believe- It’s OK to make and have money – a lot of money if you wish. Your character is not defined by how much money you make; your character is defined by what you do with the money you make.

I Believe- As parents our main responsibility is to nurture and protect our children. We also have the responsibility to break the cycle of any harm, dysfunction or pain we experienced as children. I believe our jobs as parents are to make our children’s life better than our childhoods. The real payback occurs when our children do likewise as parents.

I Believe- Always love your partner and always fight fairly when disagreements occur. It is never acceptable to strike your partner – ever. Listen to their point-of-view and then offer your own. Remember, would you rather be right than happy?

I Believe- Living a happy and fulfilling life is more about the “what” than the “how.” Focus on “what” you want. The “how” will reveal itself naturally over time if you fully commit to the “what.”

I do believe.

Author's Bio: 

Alex Blackwell is the author of The Next 45 Years - a website dedicated to sharing and creating happiness, life balance and success for the rest of our lives. To read more inspirational stories and articles, please visit: www.thenext45years.blogspot.com