Give Thanks for Good Advice

I am thankful for... good advice

There are times when we do not know what to do. There are choices we have to make and we are not sure what is best. At times like these, it helps to hear another perspective, another point of view. Sometimes we have the opportunity to turn to someone who truly cares and has our best interest at heart. He or she may have words of wisdom to guide and direct us and words of encouragement to strengthen us. It never ceases to amaze me how one word, one truth, one principle received and acted upon can change a life forever! I have seen the course of people’s lives positively redirected by a simple truth that lighted their path and led them in a new direction.

I recall having to make an important decision that would determine the direction of my future. I faced two distinctly different paths, and I had to choose one. For weeks I struggled at the crossroads until I felt completely exhausted and confused. Then I recalled a question my friend asked me. She asked me which path would cause me to be more connected to others and allow me to serve them with my gifts. As I reflected on that question, I knew which path I had to take. It meant I had to give up something I wanted. It was very difficult at first. There were even times when I thought I made a mistake. I had to remind myself of the commitment I made and put in writing. It helped me, and today I am so grateful that I stuck with it and followed the wise counsel of my friend. Today I know I made the right decision and I am so thankful.

Whether it is a future marriage partner or a career path, we may come to a crossroads and not know which way to go. Should we marry this person? Is this who we want to spend the rest of our lives with? What career do we want to pursue? Can we see ourselves doing this 10 or 20 years from now? Is this how we want to invest our time and talents? These are important decisions and although we have to ultimately make them on our own, it is a good idea to consider the wise counsel and good advice of a caring, loving person whether it is a close friend, family member, or a professional. It can help lead us on the best course for our lives for which we will be forever grateful!

Copyright 2010 All Rights Reserved. Written by Krystal Kuehn. NewDayCounseling.org and BeHappy4Life.com



Krystal Kuehn, MA, LPC, LLP, NCC is a psychotherapist, author, teacher & musician. She is the cofounder of New Day Counseling, a marriage family counseling and child therapy center and BeHappy4Life.com, an award-winning, self-help and inspirational site where you can find hundreds of free resources, insights & inspiration.


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Give Thanks that We Can Live Above Problems

I am thankful that I am above problems.

I notice that dwelling on problems makes them seem bigger than they really are. Molehills look like insurmountable mountains. Delays suddenly appear as dead ends. Annoyances are interpreted as personal attacks. We can make ourselves miserable by focusing on what is wrong, uncomfortable or frustrating. Having learned how quickly this causes me to lose my joy and peace of mind, I make it a point to refocus as quickly as I can on possibilities and positive outcomes. I can cope with the molehills. I can see myself on the other side of the mountain. Delays may test my patience, but I can pass this test. They might motivate me to make alternate plans. I can recall times when delays have turned out to be blessings in disguise. Annoyances do not have to spoil my mood or bring out the worst in me. Some people get so upset if a driver cuts them off that they start cursing and their blood pressure soars. It takes some time afterwards to calm down and shake off the agitation. There will always be people and situations that will bother us or push our buttons. We cannot control it, but we can control how we react and whether or not we will focus on the problem or sensible solutions. I want to remain hopeful when I face problems. I will seek out answers and solutions, but if I do not have any, I will not give up. I will see myself as an overcomer and continue to believe and pray for direction and answers until I have what I need. I am thankful that as I focus on the possibilities and trust that things will work out, problems and cares of this world cannot keep me down.

Copyright 2010 All Rights Reserved. Written by Krystal Kuehn. NewDayCounseling.org and BeHappy4Life.com


Krystal Kuehn, MA, LPC, LLP, NCC is a psychotherapist, author, teacher & musician. She is the cofounder of New Day Counseling, a marriage family counseling and child therapy center and BeHappy4Life.com, an award-winning, self-help and inspirational site where you can find hundreds of free resources, insights & inspiration.


<< Go Back to Krystal's Give Thanks Journal Home

Give Thanks for Positive People

I am thankful for... positive people
We have heard that laughter is contagious, but did you know that happiness is contagious as well? I just read about a 20 year research study that showed a person is 15 percent more likely to be happy if they have a close friend or family member that is happy. It also showed that happy people tend to stick together. This makes perfect sense. I notice that the more I commit to being the best I can be and living a lifestyle of true happiness, the more I am drawn to positive and happy people. It is so nice to be around optimistic people with a good attitude.

Were you ever around someone who points out what is wrong with everything and everyone, gives reasons to worry and fear, and complains about how unfair life is? Or, someone who tells you why you should give up on your goals and dreams because you don’t have what it takes. Negative people can put fear and pessimism in you if you let them. It can be difficult being around them because they tend to create a negative atmosphere as they focus on everything they don't like or that is wrong. Just as happiness and a positive outlook are contagious, so is negativity. It is no wonder that happy, positive people stick together. They try to avoid negative influences because they know how destructive and hopeless they can be. Positive and happy people are like lights in the world. They brighten our days and bring encouragement and hope wherever they go. I am so thankful for people with positive outlooks. They remind me that life is good. They remind me to enjoy life, laugh more often, appreciate my blessings, believe for the best, trust God, stay full of faith and hope and give thanks always. Being a positive, happy person is a lifestyle. We can develop the habit of being optimistic as I describe in The 9 Habits of Happy People. I am thankful that I can be positive, hopeful, and happy, and make it a habit for life!

Copyright 2010 All Rights Reserved. Written by Krystal Kuehn. NewDayCounseling.org and BeHappy4Life.com


Krystal Kuehn, MA, LPC, LLP, NCC is a psychotherapist, author, teacher & musician. She is the cofounder of New Day Counseling, a marriage family counseling & child therapy center and BeHappy4Life.com, an award-winning, self-help and inspirational site where you can find hundreds of free resources, insights & inspiration.


<< Go Back to Krystal's Give Thanks Journal Home

Give Thanks for Mothers

I am thankful for...a Godly mother

Abraham Lincoln said, "I regard no man as poor who has a godly mother." I reflected on how blessed and rich we are who have a mother who lives a godly life and is an example to her children of God's goodness and love. In her life they see and learn wisdom, integrity, good work ethics, and godly values and morals. She teaches them how to live fully and truly succeed in life. She instills in them words of wisdom and models integrity. She encourages them to believe in themselves, and she is their greatest supporter and encourager. By her example they experience and know unconditional love, gratitude, faith, peace and true joy. They know there is nothing they can do to make her stop loving them. She models a life of gratitude, and they are her greatest blessings. She believes in them and her faith is unwavering. Peace in her heart guides her. No mother is perfect, and every good mom makes mistakes. What matters most is her heart. I am thankful for moms who try their best, give their all, and bless their children with something priceless...their love.

Every good mother is thankful for her children and wants to be the best mom she can be. Soon after my son was born, I wrote this baby poem: Thank You Lord for this Child.   We have made it into a video and it has been touching people around the world ever since.  I thank God for using this poem to bless moms and so many others in the way He has. I pray it blesses you too.

All that I am or ever hope to be, I owe to my angel Mother. ~Abraham Lincoln  

Mama was my greatest teacher, a teacher of compassion, love and fearlessness. If love is sweet as a flower, then my mother is that sweet flower of love. ~ Stevie Wonder 
By my mother's example, I developed a burning desire to live for God, trust in His goodness and love, fulfill  my calling, believe in dreams and never give up.  ~Krystal Kuehn

A praying mother is more precious and valuable than all the riches in the world. ~Violet James


Copyright 2010 All Rights Reserved. Written by Krystal Kuehn. NewDayCounseling.org and BeHappy4Life.com



Krystal Kuehn, MA, LPC, LLP, NCC is a psychotherapist, author, teacher & musician. She is the cofounder of New Day Counseling, a marriage family counseling & child therapy center and BeHappy4Life.com, an award-winning, self-help and inspirational site where you can find hundreds of free resources, insights & inspiration.


<< Go Back to Krystal's Give Thanks Journal Home