During the past several days I have been in a position where I am submerged in a group of individuals who are from all different backgrounds and cultures. I am very fortunate to get the opportunity to experience these people on a personal level and partake in very intelligent and enlightening conversation with them.

At first I chose to take the observatory stance; sitting back, watching them interact, and silently listening. I have heard some things that make me cringe, and others that make me think. I have heard undertones of distaste for other cultures, and bold statements about sensitive topics. But most impressive -- I have heard these people defend others without hesitation. Not their families or best friends, but other cultures and religions. Some of which they have little understanding, but enough to know we all have the right to our own belief regardless of where we're from in this world.

I have been greatly impressed with the broad minds and intelligence these people possess. And even more impressed with their kindness and tolerance shown for things they know little about. But most of all, their desire to learn by listening to others.

Some people believe in luck, others in timing. I believe in our attitude towards what it is we're dealing with at the time.

There are many people who live a life in which some of us would consider to be very unfortunate, or lacking in many ways. However, their attitude quite possibly dictates to them something completely different. Therefore, they convey a much more positive exterior than perhaps someone who appears to have the "perfect life."

Good days, bad days, good times, bad times...they're only good or bad because of how it is we choose to deal with them. We truly have the mental ability to change absolutely anything in our life with a little positive thinking and a grounded sense of self. Without belief if who and what we are, we're never going to believe that our thoughts could possibly change the outcome of anything. And well, the truth is, our thoughts don't change the outcome on the surface, but they certainly change how we deal with anything we encounter. In turn, changing the outcome.

If we're always looking for the negative, we're definitely going to find it. But as soon as we change what we're willing to accept in our lives, and begin to look for the positive, it's amazing how it suddenly appears. When in fact, the positive has always been there, only covered up by our negative thoughts.

Over a period of time I have watched my own life change dramatically. Probably more so than I had ever imagined. I finally realized that the surface of my life only changed because who I am on the inside, the way I see things, and what I am willing to accept for myself has changed.

Amazing things are happening all around us -- open your eyes, look for them, and you can't miss.