You're driving along, high up on a nice mountain road, minding your own business, and hanging out with one of your favorite friends when suddenly your cars transmission breaks. Middle of nowhere, no cell service, just you, the car and your friend. On top of that it was supposed to be a fun day at a local state park but instead it became a family rescue mission. If you're wondering this actually happened to me and my girlfriend just this week. However, I must say it was surprisingly still pretty great! Believe me though, I'm sure many of you are probably confused how we managed to find the best in such a stressful and might I add unpleasant situation. Well let me tell you, it wasn't easy and it took some time but here's how we did it.

A lot of what you feel and how you perceive a situation is entirely created by your mind. You have the ability to make it the worst day ever, or to find the best blessings possible. For example let's use the classic glass half full v. half empty analogy. For me I tend be very pessimistic but it's possible to optimistic when you just need the motivation and energy or even in everyday situations. For us sitting there stranded until we found a little spot with cell service to call home, and also have our parents rescue us was tough. But here was the blessings.

We had air conditioning. We had each other to laugh and talk with. We had shelter, food and water if we needed it. Our basic needs were met and we had extra time together. Also it allowed for more time to enjoy the nature in which we were stranded and see the beautiful creations around us. Honestly, things weren't as bleak as they seemed. I am sure as well that many of you have realized your blessings in some kind of tough moment before. That's what I am getting at.

I think too often we get caught up with one thing not going right and allow that to define all the other stuff that is going around us. Here's a thought though, what if paused for one moment. How about stopping and taking your time, stepping back and looking at the scenario. Ask yourself this: Why am I so stressed? Is the problem really worth this stress? Will this situation actually affect the rest of my life drastically? Will I even remember this next week? Can I even change the situation? Is there still blessings despite this hard spot?

If you answered no to all those or yes to the last one then your situation is definitely not as bad as you think. But even if it is bad there is also always another side to the coin all you need to do is flip it to see. Whether your transmission failed, you lost a job, maybe you just failed a test, realize that life goes on. Every moment is a chance to learn from the last and its chance to see the light in even the darkest nights. Just because one gear won't shift doesn't mean your transmission is broken. In other words one issue doesn't ruin it all.

Just remember this saying in the moment of struggle: Every thorn protects a rose!