Today, while sitting in the middle of traffic, the “crash your party” ad on this popsicle truck gave me a divine nudge. You know that feeling when things are going well – maybe you’ve had a good-mood day, or a prayer has been answered, or you’re with your favorite people doing something you love? Have you ever noticed how the negative will try to creep in with a big BUT…? “I’m having a good day…BUT there’s still that issue with my mom.” “I’m so happy to hear this news… BUT what’s going to happen with the election?” “I’m having a great time…BUT I’m so out of shape.” It’s something different for all of us, and it changes, depending on what we’re struggling with at the time. The enemy of our souls loves nothing more than to steal our joy, firing into our most vulnerable places and taking our attention away from the blessings of the moment. You can probably identify the current arrow in your life that aims to destroy your happiness. Just take a moment and let it come to the surface. It takes practice, but we don’t have to be victims of negativity. Try taking that negative thought and turning it toward goodness. “There’s that issue with my mom, but we’ll work it out when the time is right.” “I don’t know what’s going to happen with the election, but I will do my part and trust that it’s all in God’s hands.” “I’m so out of shape, but I am taking healthy steps.” Commit your affirmation to memory, and at the first sign of a negative arrow, speak those encouraging words. Say them out loud; repeat them if you have to. If you’re struggling with something different next week, create a new phrase for yourself. The more you speak the truth, the more you’ll believe it, and you’ll naturally turn toward goodness whenever those whispers try to crash your party.