My favorite song of the hit musical, Monty Python’s Spamalot, is Always Look on the Bright Side of Life. Leave it to the creative minds of the Monty Python team to develop a spoof of the beloved story of Camelot. The song suggests that even amidst the challenges of the 12th Century, people can still remain positive. (And, of course, the catchy songs will stick in your head, so buying the soundtrack is a must). While our lives have certainly changed throughout the centuries, one thing remains the same: A positive attitude can lift you out of the most dismal of circumstances.

Take rain, for instance. We have received a fair amount of it during the past few months. Some people only associate rain with dark, gloomy skies and dreariness. They see one rain drop and the negative comments pour in. “This Spring was just awful. We had way too much rain” some will say. “I just wish all this rain would go away” others will add. They forget that rain is an essential part of the cycle of life. Without water, we die.

As a Master Gardener, I love rain. It means I don’t have to water my garden. Mother Nature handles it for me (and she does a far better job than I do anyway). When I look at my garden, I see lush, colorful plants, happy to receive the natural – rather than chemically treated – water. When someone makes a negative comment about rain, I spin it to the positive. “This is the best my garden has looked in the past few years,” I say. I choose to see things differently.

What attitude are you projecting? Do you inspire and motivate others to look on the bright side of life?