When you feel unhappy with some part of your life, it is easy to look outside of yourself for what’s causing you to feel that way.

Even though we don’t like to admit it, we have all played victim to the circumstances happening around us.

You develop your inner strength as you look inside yourself and ask what’s causing you to feel/react this way instead of automatically blaming the people/circumstances around you.

Often times when you are going through difficult circumstances, you ask the question, “Why?” But, asking questions like “Why?” only takes away your power and makes you feel like a victim.

Instead, look at this situation and ask, “What is causing me to react this way and how do I need to grow in this situation?”

For example, let’s say that you set a goal to be a certain weight. But, despite your extra exercise and change in diet you still feel horrible about your body. You feel like no matter what you do, it’s not good enough. You start to wonder if it’s really all worth it.

In that moment, it’s easy to look outside of yourself and say, “if only I didn’t have to do this for my kids I’d have time or if it wasn’t for these bad genes or if I had more money I could hire a personal trainer or chef.” Or you may just be thinking, “WHY ME? Why do I have to go through this constant struggle?”

Although it’s not right or wrong to feel sad, disappointed, hopeless or angry, what you do next determines your lasting results.

When you find yourself feeling like a victim, give yourself a gift by taking an honest look at yourself and ask if you are really doing everything you need to do to create changes in your body.

It’s not a moment to criticize yourself, but rather take an honest look at your thoughts, beliefs, words and actions.

If they are not aligned with your goal, ask yourself what needs to change in you in order to create the results you want.

It does take a tremendous amount of forbearance to continue to move forward in the face of adversity. But, remember all challenges come to bless you.

If you can keep your power and ask, “What needs to change in me?” then you truly become a creator of your life. Your life becomes more joyful and peaceful when you know your happiness comes from within and not from your circumstances.

Continue to encourage yourself knowing this process may be difficult as you first get started.

The next time you feel angry and upset about someone else or an outside circumstance take a step back, claim your power and ask, “What needs to change in ME?”

What to use this in your newsletter or blog? You can, as long as you include this blurb: Life teacher Jeanie Callen Barat helps you remove blocks, overcome obstacles, heal obsessive thoughts and release weight, so you can enjoy your life. To learn more and get instant access to a guided meditation visit www.TheFitnessJeanie.com.