QUESTION:  I am feeling depressed and pessimistic.  I need some positive motivators!

 ANSWER:  Here are some positive thoughts.  Focus on one a day for three weeks and see if life feels more productive.

 You may not feel powerful, but your smile can change someone’s day. Use your power.

Actions speak louder than words. Say thank you and cooperate! Others will help you, too.

Be an encourager. Tell someone else you like what he said or did. You’ll make his day.

 Turn lemons into lemonade. Say “I’m really sorry that happened” and change a problem into an opportunity.

 Ask three questions this week and really listen to the answers. You are smart and getting smarter every week.

 When you think of something nice to say, don’t hesitate to say it. You can make your world a friendlier place.

Improving is better than perfection. Put your energy into trying and others will be pleased.

Sometimes the most helpful thing you can do for a friend is listen. You don’t have to have all the answers.

If it hasn’t happened yet, it may not be the right time. There are good things coming.

There are all kinds of birds and all kinds of songs. You are unique and special. Share what you are thinking.

A good friend notices when someone else does well. Congratulate someone this week for doing well.

Kind words and kind actions do not go unnoticed.

 When you know the right thing to do, do it right away!

Lots of people like you and someone important to you is thinking about you right now.

Forget about yesterday’s mistakes. Plan good things for today and tomorrow.

 Whatever you plant today, you will harvest a few months from now. Your good choices this week will pay off in the near future.

Telling the truth is easier than living a lie. Do things this week that you’re happy to talk about.

It doesn’t matter how high or wide the wall, if there is a door. You are a good problem solver. Think about finding the door through the next challenge you face.

You have skills and talents. This week you will have a chance to show someone else how to do what you have already learned to do.

If you would like to talk with a parenting specialist about the challenges in raising children, call the toll-free Parent WarmLine at 1-888-584-2204/Linea de Apoyo at 1-877-434-9528.  For free emergency child care, call the Crisis Nursery at 1-877-434-9599. Check out www.familiesandcommunities.org.

Maryanne Law is the executive director of the Parenting Resource Center in Austin.