At my Redding Evening Toastmaster’s meeting last Thursday night (best meeting ever if you’re looking to hone your speaking skills with an incredible circle of people), we talked about a theme that keeps coming up for me: perspective.

See this drink? It’s a Chai Latte. It didn’t hail from Starbucks, Peet’s or Yaks. I made this in my own kitchen in 3 minutes, wearing my fuzzy flannels, for way less than $5.00. And I’m sipping its magnificence with you now.

I sprinkled it with Vietnamese Cinnamon, the best in the world. I’m a bit of a spice snob, it’s true. I order my accents from Penzey’s Spices or restock when I travel to Torrance or Santa Rosa.

And, now, a word from our non-sponsor.

Going into a Penzey’s–I’m a kid at Disneyland. I walk in and smell each jar from countries around the world and find myself there without the extra baggage fees and flight delays. Did you know there are eight types of cinnamon on those shelves? Eight?! And the quality blows all grocery store brands away while avoiding those annoying little tin foil covers that always break my nails. If you’ve never been to Penzey’s, and find yourself in front of that black awning with big white letters, you must enter the Magic Kingdom of Spice. You will not be disappointed.

Back to the Chai Latte. This is actually a Medifast product that balances carbs, proteins, and fats in a hard-to-beat nutritional footprint. It’s 100 calories, decaffeinated, has green tea in it, and best of all, is delicious. Adding the high-grade cinnamon not only makes me feel like I’m having fancy coffee with friends, it speeds up my metabolism naturally so I can keep to a caffeine-free lifestyle and not stimulate my appetite. It’s faster, it’s cheaper, it’s better…and I don’t have to wait in a drive-through to get it.

Here’s the perspective part. We always have a choice about how we look at things. In January, people come to me to drop weight and keep their New Year’s resolutions. I can tell up front how successful they will be based on how they look at things. The ones that succeed have this attitude: “I am so excited to have found this key to healthier living starting with weight loss. And to think, all I have to do is eat every three hours. Sweet tea, glory me.”

The ones that have less success start like this: “I can’t _____, I don’t like _____, and I’ve always _______.” If you find yourself, 180-it out of there.

We are what we think, and what we think, we pull into our energetic vortex. Choose to find the positive spin, Friend. The more positive spins the better. Remember: a belief is just something we tell ourselves over and over again, not necessarily the truth. Use this universal law to turn up the corners of your day’s smile and fill your soul with can-do beliefs. When we all do this, what a world this will be.

Set yourself up for success by starting with a Medifast Chai Latte attitude.

1. I only put into my body what helps me meet my overall health goals.
2. Whatever the junk food nation makes, I can make better, cheaper, and healthier.
3. Doing #2 takes less time than the alternative. I’m creative–and I will learn how.

Now, go change your world. I believe in you.