Explained: “Life is 10% what happens to you and 90% how you react to it.” – Charles R. Swindoll

There are times when a problem occurs and you have absolutely have no idea on how to deal with it. Everything just seems to be getting out of control and life just seems to be crumbling all around you. The issue here is not the problem itself, its actually how you deal with it that’s a cause for concern.

There are people throughout history (and probably in your life) who keep their optimism no matter what is happening to them. That doesn’t mean they don’t face problems. It just means that they keep focused on the one thing they can control: their reaction to the events of their lives.

Take for example people like Anne Frank and Viktor Frankl who faced extreme adversity, who struggled, and yet still maintained positive outlooks on life. Just as they did not depend on their circumstances to create their happiness, we can learn from their example and also find happiness from within.

Sometimes bad things happen in life to good people, and it's no fault of your own. It's not a lack of skill, expertise, or care. They simply happen. It's at those times when you learn that you cannot measure your self-worth by the struggles you face, but rather, by the struggles that you overcome.

Those are the moments when it's essential to appreciate your life, including (and especially) the little things. Fill yourself with gratitude and you'll discover that you can remain resilient during difficult times.

Remind yourself that even when you fail, you can still succeed if you keep trying. Michael Jordan was cut from the basketball team in high school, Colonel Sanders had his recipe turned down over 1,000 times before it finally became a success. The world would be a very different place if they had let their struggles hold them back.

That said, it's important to realize that you can change your circumstances. In addition to maintaining a positive and grateful mindset, you may have to make other changes. You can choose to spend time with positive people, if appropriate you can seek out other employment that will be more fulfilling, and you can always step into nature for some support and an opportunity to recharge.

No matter what you choose, remember that you're not the first person to face struggles in life, and you won't be the last. They overcame their challenges and you can overcome yours. It all starts from within.