Image: Flickr/Federico Coppola

“The highest possible stage in moral culture is when we recognize that we ought to control our thoughts.” (Charles Darwin)

Interesting idea: we control our thoughts; our thoughts don’t control us. So many of our troubles come about because we forget this simple, little truth.

No matter what happens to you today, you have the ability to change the way you feel and act by changing the way you think. When someone pushes your buttons — your kid, your spouse, your boss — take back your remote control. Acknowledge (to yourself) the thought that you want to strangle them, and then choose a better, more productive path. Before you act, ask yourself, “Is this action going to be helpful?”

You might be surprised just how many times you find yourself saying no.