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Getting the hand is luck... what you do with it is skill"

This quote caught my eye as I was preparing to update Cheergiver's facebook page.  I've looked but couldn't find a reliable source so I'll attribute it to the the great Unknown writer.  Poker players know they will not always get a good hand, but getting the cards is just part of the game.  Much of the outcome depends on how they react, and what signals they send to other players.  Steve Pavlina talks about how he watches his own movements and those of his opponents to learn what gives away a good hand.  That is how good players can do well whatever hand they get.

I find this can be applied to the way we deal with the hand that Life hands us as well.  Perhaps you did not grow up in a loving environment or never had a positive role model to correct and guide you.  The truth is life is like a game of poker and we can't control the cards we get but we certainly have a choice on what we do with it.  Spend some time observing yourself when you feel anger rising, or sadness creeping in.  What situation and words triggered those emotions?  Write them down and keep track of them like an expert poker player would.  Then give it your top priority to change these behaviors.  Get professional help if you can't do it on your own.  YOU are worth it.