Apparently, my world is not the only world in existence. This is the valuable lesson I learn each time I force my way out of my tight little cocoon of personal worries to gaze at the world outside.

As important as my daily concerns are, changing my attitude means breaking away from bad mental habits:

- My personal challenges are enormous and insurmountable.
- I know every philosophy worth knowing.
- My world is a tiny universe in and of itself—separate from anything that lies outside of it.

By forcing myself to think differently, I take the opportunity to grow and learn from new perspectives. I find support and motivation when I remember that I am connected to something much bigger than myself. And I learn that by opening my soul to the larger world outside, I open myself up to greater peace and greater possibilities.

-Abigail Wurdeman