On a misty morning in Newport, the sun lifts over Narragansett Bay, turning the water to gold. Just as each sunrise washes away the night, every new day gives us a chance to begin again—no matter how many chapters we’ve already written.
The Stories We Tell Ourselves
We learn invisible deadlines: graduate by 22, marry by 30, retire by 65. Miss one, and we feel “behind.” We compare our first steps to someone else’s years of progress—and lose heart. But those are borrowed stories, not facts. As the poet Rumi said,
“Don’t just follow the stories you’ve been told—write your own.””
Your life’s tale—and the blueprint you sketched with your spirit team before birth—is still waiting for your next bold move.
Amara’s New Beginning
At 22, Amara earned a marketing degree but kept a paintbrush close. “Later,” she told herself, “I’ll chase art.” A decade passed. By 32, she had a steady job and a mortgage in Providence—but her spirit felt gray. Every gallery post she scrolled past tightened regret’s grip.
Then she heard about Grandma Moses, who painted her first scene at 76 and became a folk-art icon. If Grandma Moses could shine so late, Amara knew she could start now. She joined a local art class. Her strokes were shaky, but her heart was bright. At 35 she sold her first piece. At 40 she held her own show. Amara’s story reminds us that the only deadline that matters is the one we set for ourselves.
Choosing Your Attitude: Viktor Frankl’s Lesson
I read about Viktor Frankl, the psychiatrist who survived a Nazi camp. He watched prisoners stripped of every freedom—but still free to choose their attitude. One bitter dawn, some men shared hope in hushed whispers, while others sank into despair. Frankl summed it up:
“Whenever something happens, there’s a moment before you react—and in that moment you get to choose your attitude.”
Yes, his example comes from unspeakable horrors, but it teaches us this: whatever life throws at you, you always hold the power to decide how you meet it—and in that choice, you claim your mental freedom. No one can ever take that from you, no matter your circumstances.
Science and Spirit Agree: Hope Helps You Heal
Research shows a hopeful mindset really does help your body. A major review of 15 studies with over 229,000 people found that optimists had a 35% lower chance of heart trouble and a 14% lower chance of dying from any cause over many years .
Stress, on the other hand, actually slows down physical healing—wounds take longer to close when you’re anxious .
Your spirit team whispers the same truth: look at the cup as half full—find the silver lining in every moment, even hardship. A positive attitude is powerful. Stay open—through meditation, deep breaths, or quiet listening—and you’ll invite guidance and support. That calm, hopeful state helps both mind and body recover more quickly.
Three Easy Steps to Begin Now
- Swap “Late” for “Ready”
When “I should’ve done this years ago” pops up, pause and replace it with “I’m ready now.” This simple shift frees you from regret and gears you for action. - Take Small Actions
Write three sentences toward your goal today. Schedule a 15-minute coffee chat this week with a friend, mentor, or someone who inspires you to explore your next move. - Celebrate Each Win
Give yourself a moment of pride. Look at all the good you’ve done—find gratitude in every turn and move. Tried something new? Acknowledge that courage. These small victories build unstoppable confidence.
Sign up now before midnight and let your journey begin.
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