Have you made a mistake yet today?  If not, you aren't trying hard enough to be better.  Failure is a part of the process toward success.  When our goal is to be flawless, we limit our ability to risk and push our own limits and to truly reach our full potential.  “If you can’t make a mistake you can’t make anything.” Marva Collin

Stress is a neutral term.  We are the ones who have given stress a negative connotation.  Stress is pressure or tension exerted on something.  We lift weights to stress our muscles so they get stronger and we are better.  Teachers/professors give homework to challenge and stress our thinking and minds so that we become better.  Life gives us problems and issues that are uncomfortable so that we can work through them and become more resilient and better.  When we start to see "demands on our lives" as an opportunity to be "better" and not "bitter" then we WIN!
​“The greatest weapon against stress is the ability to choose one thought over another.” William James

Let's be honest, sometimes we are simply trying to get through the day.  "Survive and advance" is a good mindset to have to overcome a day that is full of challenges.  However, "survive and advance" is a good solution for only extreme situations.  The majority of our life should have more intention and purpose and belief in our own ability to accomplish more than simply surviving.  "My mission in life is not merely to survive, but to thrive and do so with some passion, some compassion, some humor, and some style." - Maya Angelou

Back in the day (which was a Tuesday most likely) castles had a moat and a drawbridge and a large gate that kept the bad people out.  The Gate Keeper was tasked to open the gate for those who belonged in the castle and would not cause harm inside the castle.  We need to see our minds as a castle, with a really strong and wise gate keeper that is really good at their job and discerns who they let in.  Unfortunately, many have drained their castle moat, left the drawbridge down and the gate wide open and have installed some neon flashing signs that say "Everyone is welcome inside.  Make yourself at home"   "No one can make you feel inferior without your consent."  Eleanor Roosevelt 

Impossible and Improbable are not synonyms.  It may seem impossible for Aaron Rogers to blow out an Achilles in the fourth play of the season.  It may seem even "more impossible" for the Jets to win without him (which they did).  There is no such thing as "more impossible".  It is either impossible, which most things are not impossible, or it is more accurately described as improbable or more improbable.  But in either case, there is always room for probable.   “It always seems impossible until it’s done.” – Nelson Mandela.  "The difference between the impossible and the possible lies in a man's determination."  Tommy Lasorda.  “Impossible is just an opinion.” Paulo Coelho

Happiness and sadness are a response to our circumstances.   Joy and gratitude are a choice.  If we don't wake up each morning and choose either joy or gratitude, we are gambling for our circumstances that day to be completely positive so we are happy.  For anyone who has been on the planet more than a day knows full well that our circumstances don't always lead to happiness.  Please make a choice and don't leave your mental well-being and quality of life to chance.  ​“If we have the attitude that it’s going to be a great day it usually is.” —Catherine Pulsifier

It is not your circumstances that define you, but how you respond to those circumstances.  
“The same boiling water that softens the potato hardens the egg. It’s what you’re made of. Not the circumstances.” —Unknown