Earlier this year, a quote was placed in front of me that really struck my attention.

“I choose to be unstoppable. I am bigger than my concerns and worries. The strength of others inspire me daily. I focus on my goal. I trust my intuition and live a courageous life.”

By my own admission, it takes a lot to get my attention. I can be stubborn, and more times than not, I think I have everything under control.

Still, I pledged to myself that I would change my lifestyle and make a better life for my family.

I’m not talking about one of those resolutions to eat better and exercise more, though, I have done both.

It was simply to live better – spiritually, mentally, financially and emotionally – to live a better, more healthy life.

I promised myself I’d smile more and laugh often; and take time to enjoy the small things in life and the people who are near and dear to my heart.

Sometimes that means ridding your life of things and even people who don’t contribute to your well being.

It also means surrounding yourself with people who truly have your back.

I’ve made some drastic changes along the way in the seven months that have been 2014, but those changes have taught me that living is much more fun than just existing.

To me, existing is going about your everyday life without enjoying what you do or enjoying whom you’re around.

I’ve learned that this is your life and it’s important to do what you love and do it often.

If you don’t like how things are going, you have the power to change it.

Be open-minded and try new things and open your heart to new people. Embrace friendships that you never knew were possible, and learn to love yourself.

Life is too short to be anything less than happy.

Take it one day at a time. Enjoy the present. Don’t worry about the future.

I share all this not to gloat about how great my life is, but to serve as a reminder that things can get better, if you take control your circumstances, and let go of things that weigh you down.

There’s a saying floating around Facebook, “not my circus; not my monkeys.” It’s a funny little quote, but it can serve as a reminder to all of us that we don’t have to participate in craziness that isn’t our problems.