What if joy was a rare event, occurring only once a year? Not only would we look forward to that day, we would also worry that something might steal it. What if a catastrophe ruined our special day? What if we fell off a mountain or a mountain fell on us? We might string up imaginary barbed wire, hoping to snag trouble before it had a chance to creep up and steal our joy. The problem is, we could get tangled in our self-protection and sabotage that one, magical day.

It’s impossible to fill your cup with joy if it’s already overflowing with worry or regret. A positive outlook can change our lives. Positive thoughts have the power to rewire the brain.

In 1856, a newspaper in Colchester, England wrote about the potent force of our thoughts. Years later, in 1872, an Iowa newspaper reworked the idea a bit.

“Plant a thought and reap a word.

Plant a word and reap an action.

Plant an action and reap a habit.

Plant a habit and reap a character.

Plant a character and reap a destiny.”

                                                        –Bishop Beckwaith (credited)

Today I will take one thought and put it into action–an action that may change my life.