My kids are sick…..At least they are extra cuddly.

It’s storming outside…At least it is cozy inside and I am safe and dry.

I’m in physical pain…At least I’m breathing.

They are mad at me….At least I know what not to do next time.

My kids are growing too fast….At least I get this time with them.

My car broke down…At least I have loved ones to help take me places.

You have a choice of how you look at things…positive or negative. Bad things happen. That is reality. But the way you see them is your choice. The way you react is totally up to you.

Practicing an “At least” philosophy can be a powerful way to live. It gives you the chance to see hope in everything. It’s not just about having rose colored glasses, it is about choice and control in you and your reactions.

Not everything is rosy- but not every thing is black either. Living in reality is about rolling with the stinky parts of life and seeing them as an opportunity to become better, lean on others, grow, and heal, etc.

Being stuck in a poor me/ victim mentality will only cause you to wallow and become bitter. Practice an “At Least” Philosophy today to see a big change. It’s time for some new lenses in life!

Written by Teri Claassen MSW, LCSW, LCAC

Teri Claassen MSW, LCSW, LCAC is a licensed therapist at Imagine Hope Counseling Group. Teri enjoys doing marriage counseling, individual counseling, couples and relationship counseling. Teri also does family counseling, child counseling, and adolescent counseling. Imagine Hope serves the Indianapolis area, including the surrounding areas of Carmel, Fishers, Noblesville, Zionsville, and Westfield.