The following article was written by my friend Lee Milteer. I love her thinking, and I’m particularly fond of her too. Thanks for the no bullshit, Lee.

The truth of life is that we all get curve balls. Things you think are going to work out sometimes fail, and things you have no idea are going to happen, do! Life is always an adventure and some days, it’s as if God is seriously laughing at your plans. When you have these surprises, keep in mind you do have some personal power! Remind yourself that you can empower your life and yourself. Realize that by choosing your response to any circumstance, you powerfully affect your future.
Stop being a victim!

Victimhood is for losers!

Our society tries to program us to be victims and its bullshit. When you reject this victim thinking and take responsibility for your own life, you alter the circumstance and its outcome.

The true test of your character is when the events around you are not supportive. Again, give up the victimhood. Sometimes we have to gracefully accept that there are things we cannot change and learn to live with them, even when we don’t like it. In making this powerful choice, we do not allow the problems or current challenges to control us. The alcoholic’s anonymous program sums it up well with the Prayer of Serenity: Lord, give me the courage to change the things which can and ought to be changed, the serenity to accept the things which can’t be changed, and the wisdom to know the difference.

The next time you meet with adversity, temporary defeat, or failure, remember that you may have no control over the pain in the ass changes or unpleasant circumstances, but you do have control over your reaction to these circumstances. Exercise this privilege by searching for the seed of opportunity, which is carried in every experience of adversity and sorrow.

We must choose to be proactive in life, and not let life happen to us. We must be driven by our values and goals, not by outside circumstances. You do not have to be a victim of circumstance; you make your own environment because you are the creator of your life by using your thoughts and actions. Your greatness comes from within, so start today to capitalize on your own talents and potential. The emphasis in our life should be on developing the vision; to see beyond the current situation, develop mental control over our emotions, feel our own power, and assume responsibility for our future.

I would like to leave you with an Ancient Proverb that sums up true power: If You Master Yourself, You Can Master Anything.

Lee Milteer is the author of Success is an Inside Job and Spiritual Power Tools.  She is also author of Secrets of Peak Performers with Dan Kennedy and Bill Glazer.