It is easy to think of all the negatives when we are experiencing chaos all around us. Our minds seem to be wired that way.

Just the other day I was experiencing feelings of peace and calm…perfect tranquillity after my morning meditation. I marveled at the serenity of the morning because my circumstances were still the same—unpredictable nonsense—and yet, I was at peace.

That peaceful feeling lasted all day at work and I marveled yet again at being able to maintain it as I was suddenly and rudely reminded that something would eventually ruin it. What would I do then?

True to its promise, a midsize rock flew up from a truck and hit my windshield with such force, it splintered. I was 90 minutes into my two-hour drive home. Almost at the finish line, and yet…

“Oh GREAT!” I thundered. “It never fails. I can’t be happy for 24 hours!”

Within seconds, I remembered what I was thinking about earlier in the day—how was I going to shift my mindset the moment chaos would undoubtedly return and begin knocking at my door?

I started thinking of the tranquility I experienced that morning. The Valentine’s day party I celebrated last month with coworkers and camaraderie. I thought about the work I was able to accomplish with the assistance of one of my colleagues. I thought about my two pups having fun with their furry friends at doggie day care.

It’s a choice I already know. It’s just as easy to think lovely thoughts in the middle of the chaos as it is to dwell on the negative circumstance of the moment.

There is hope in the chaos.