When I say Positive, I don't mean that kind of positive that looks to the future with rosy, glossed over eyes, or that buries its head at failure, mindlessly pushing forward anyways with a  "It will happen!" mentality.

My Mother's brand of positive thinking involves seeing the positive in the reality of the world around you.

It means, when it rains, think of the garden getting that good soak at last.

When failure arrives (as it inevitably does for all of us at some point of another), acknowledge it and be grateful for the lesson it teaches.

I've never heard my mother complain about having to be a work before most people get out of bed, but I do get a sudden surplus of "sun rising over misty fields on my way to work" pictures on my facebook feed.

Last year, she broke both her wrists, and not once did she say "Why me?"

Instead, she celebrated her milestones when she hit them. Going out for the first time since the accident, being able to do her own hair and makeup, and even managing a Selfie. She expressed gratitude for her friends and family, and for having the best husband in the world.

Sometimes the positive can be elusive, like the struggles you face, as a Mother trying to protect and keep your children alive through their troubled teen age years.

I remember my Mom telling me over a Rockin Johnny's dinner that she believed sometimes we faced the challenges we do so that one day, we would be able to help somebody else get through theirs.

My Mom doesn't just see the light in the dark, she reflects it.

So remember, when everything looks bleak and unbearable, find the positive.

If you can't see it today, remind yourself it might have value tomorrow.