Mondays are typically a day that people dread. How many people do you know that say “Happy Monday” (well, besides me)? Very few! Well, we want to help you have a positive day, week, month, year, life … So a new Monday series called ME: Motivation Encouragement is one way we can help you do just that.

Facing a new week can be scary or exciting, but it boils down to one thing. It’s all about your outlook. Your outlook can be positive or negative. It’s all up to you how you choose to live life. Sure things will happen to us that aren’t fair, that don’t make sense, and make us want to bang our head against the wall, but reacting with negativity will just make you feel worse, not better. Having a positive perspective is not always easy, but it sure beats being down in the dumps!

And you know what? People like positive people! I’m sure you’ve encountered negative people and your reaction is how can I get away fast enough? Negativity breeds resentment, anger, a cynical attitude, and depression. Positivity creates confidence, happiness, love, compassion, courage.

No matter what you are facing – from the BIG things to the little things – choose your reaction carefully. Practice positive perspectives!

This is my command – be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the LORD your God is with you wherever you go. Joshua 1:9

Whoa. I have never had so many “off” days before except when injured! Now that I am 20 days out from race, I will start to take it easy (as much as I can that is).

I had another packed early day, so I enjoyed a nice morning of sleeping in. Chicago’s weather was a bit iffy today. A little rainy, sunny, and of course windy.

The highlight of my day was visiting Whole Foods Lincoln Park. Talk about a store! Wow. I could live here forever. Seriously. They have everything one could possibly need!

The store just opened about 2 months ago. Perfect time for a visit. They had a wine bar. A coffee bar. A beer bar. A “drive in diner” type theme area. More selections of pasta, olive oil, tomato sauce, cheese, chocolate and fresh produce then you can shake a stick at! I enjoyed my tasting tour immensely!

The Whole Body section was also fabulous. The kids+baby section was full of awesome products, not just to eat, but also to learn!

Eating was my “training” for the day. I did do a lot of walking, does that count? lol!

Great meetings. Great people. Great life. Its all about perspective.

Photo by Joe M500