Give yourself the gift today of a lighter way of life. All stress and pain are created in the mind. Whatever kind of day you have, it will be one of your own making. You are the producer, director, writer and star of your own day. Will it be a comedy? Will it be an intense drama? Will there be intrigue and deception? Will it be a peaceful and joyful story?

There may be certain family members who you find irritating or even outrageous. Make a decision to let it go. You will not allow the emotional and behavioral weirdness of someone else to determine your well-being. When you find yourself beginning to get irritated or angry, catch yourself. Tell yourself, "No. I'm not going there. I will stay at peace." Breathe and let go.

Let it be the same with your colleagues at work. Refuse to give control of your mind and your emotions to others. Envision your day as peaceful, productive, and fulfilling. Whenever you find yourself in anger or upset, acknowledge your emotions, and do not blame others for them. Take this opportunity to remember your vision for the day, and do your best to return to it. Each time you successfully shift your thoughts away from debilitating negative emotion, you create a victory for yourself. Small victories add up.

You may find yourself amidst impatient people. Again, breathe and let go. You do not have to become a part of the insanity that is around you. Forgive people their weirdness and let it go. Speak directly and compassionately to people. Speak, not with the intention of fixing another person, but with the idea of helping. Everyone is, in a sense, a prisoner of his/her own mind. You help to free others by freeing yourself. Free yourself of automatic negative assumptions about others. Challenge your ideas that say people are out to get you, or that they intend to be inconsiderate. Expect to be treated well and treat others well. More often then not, you will get what you expect.

When we carry grudges against others it is ourselves who suffer the most. Today is a good time to let go of old sorrows, hatreds, disappointments, resentments, and bitterness. These old feelings may be sparked by the certain people or situations, but know that they do not serve you. As these emotions come up, welcome them and ask yourself: "Could I let this go?" The more you practice letting go of these negative thoughts, the lighter you will feel.

Some of these negative emotions seem to really have a hold on us. We hear a certain word or tone, or see a certain behavior, and our body reacts. The emotions seem to take over before we have a chance to decide differently. Be patient with yourself. Stay steady in your intention to let go and to be well. Appreciate yourself for the effort, no matter how well you think you are doing.

Letting go takes practice and perseverance. You have what it takes. Tap into your spiritual resources and ask for help in seeing others, the world, and yourself differently. In other words, don't pray that others be changed. Instead ask that you change the way that you see them. Your new vision will have a transformational effect. Let this be a joyful day for you. Your ability to be more joyful makes it easier for others to do the same.

If it is your decision to have a peaceful and fulfilling day, you must asume the best. When people misbehave, assume there is a good motive. Be clear about behavior that is destructive or inappropriate, yet acknowledge the good intention behind it. Help them find a better way.

Find ways to have fun, to enjoy the people you are with. Make sure you have at least one activity per week that is just for you, that is not about work or family. Do this to give your mind a rest and to relax your body. Live consciously, tending to the thoughts you allow in your mind. Your lightness of being, your easy smile, your tendency to assume the best about others, will each serve to inspire the people round you.

Today is your day. You are the writer, producer, director, and the star of your own story. What kind of day will it be?