LIFE IS LIKE A RAINBOW IT TAKES THE SUN AND THE RAIN TO MAKE ITS COLORS APPEAR.

WRITER: JEN AND LEAH morrow.

If you live in Florida, you know on any typical summer day we are going to get some type of afternoon rain shower. Sometimes the showers are short lived, other times they seem to hover over us, pounding us with rain, lightning and thunder (and they usually strike about 5p.m. just as we are getting ready to drive home from work).

We also know that after these summer showers, we have a pretty good chance of seeing a rainbow in all its colorful glory. There is something magical about rainbows. Remember being told as a kid there was a pot of gold at the end of the rainbow?

Rainbows and life have a lot in common: It takes the right combination of sunshine and rain to create a rainbow, and in life, we need a combination of joyful times and challenging times to appreciate the wonder and beauty of our lives.

Have you ever noticed that after you go through a rough patch in life, something wonderful happens to make you appreciate all you went through to get where you are?

Rainbows are signs the storms are ceasing, the sky is brightening and the magic is about to happen.

So, why are there so many songs about rainbows? Maybe because rainbows give us hope for a brighter tomorrow.

TIPS FOR A GLOWING, RAINBOW-LIKE PERSONALITY:

1. You determine your r way react to the o your may b or That is determ

1. You determine your reality by the way you react to the outside world. Losing your job may be a disaster or an opportunity for bigger things. That is determined by you.

3. Exercise to enjoy all the positive chemicals released into the bloodstream.

5. Hang out with other positive people who constantly reinforce how great life is.

2. Start stron a morning rit reinforces how

2. Start your day strong by creating a morning ritual that reinforces how great life is.

4. Use books, audio and video about people who are inspiring and living the life of their dreams.

6. Live a life of gratitude and appreciate all the great things that have happened to you. Maybe you can even keep a gratitude journal.