Park Jeong Jun

We are creating our lives with every breath, in every moment, and through every one of our thoughts, words and deeds. We have a choice every day when we wake up, and we make hundreds more choices throughout the day.For many years I was one of those people who perceived the glass as half empty. I'd complain and whine to anyone who would listen. I hated getting up in the morning and was never satisfied with anything. If someone asked me how I was, the answer was usually something like, "Alright," "Hanging in there, I guess," or a litany of complaints about how crappy life was. I was always angry and frustrated. I didn't realize my attitude was dragging me deeper and deeper into a dark hole of negativity.I recently decided it was time to take control of whatever time I had left on this earth and make the best of it. I started to meditate every morning. I began to make a list of all the things that I am grateful for before going to sleep at night. I implemented some subtle shifts that have made a huge difference in my life.I'm still not a morning person. I will sleep in when I have the chance, and some of my most creative time is in the afternoon and evening where I make videos or music. However, I've learned to change my perspective, which makes waking up a much more pleasant and joyful experience. When the alarm goes off, I take a few deep breaths, then get up and sit on my mediation cushion in the corner of the room by the window. I do just five minutes of deep breathing while visualizing the awesome day I'm going to have, then I do a short yoga sun salutation routine. (I usually skip the laying on the floor part when I do it outside.)I shower, dress, then prepare a quick and nutritious breakfast - usually a fruit and protein smoothie, a bowl of oatmeal or a veggie omelet. I prepare my lunch and snacks for the work day: a salad, a pita or wrap sandwich, a small bag of nuts or trail mix, a piece of fruit and some string cheese or a cup of yogurt.At this point it's time to face the commute. I hate the crowded subway, but fortunately I have a great mp3 player loaded with good stuff, uplifting music and audio books. I'm not going to say I meditate on the subway, as that would be dangerous, but I do deep breathing exercises and try to be aware of the little things around me. I've also begun pasting sticky notes with affirmations around the house. What better way to help positive thoughts sink in to my consciousness:Wonderful things are happening today.I am always moving forward.I am exactly where I need to be right now.Expect a miracle. From that point on, the rest of the day becomes much easier. As the ancient Chinese saying goes, "A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step."How have you redesigned your life? Please share any tips or ideas that you have worked for you.