The concept of heaven and hell is more than a religious concept of a future destination.  It describes how people choose to live their lives right now.  Each person makes decisions that determine whether they are living in heaven or hell.  Some people exist in heaven while others suffer in hell.

What’s the difference?  In a nutshell, people living in heaven are content and happy, with an appreciation for all of the good things in their lives.  Those living in hell are unhappy, find problems everywhere they look, and believe they have a life of scarcity.

Whether you live in heaven or hell is dependent on your attitude and outlook.  Contrary to commonly held beliefs, it’s not based on where you live, how much money you have, or how many things you have accumulated.  If you have any doubts, watch the daily headlines.  They are filled with examples of people who have reached the pinnacle of success and yet live a self-destructive, hellish existence.

There are people who live a joyous existence in spite of an austere lifestyle, while those who have every trapping of success can live in despair.  Material success doesn’t ensure happiness and a Spartan existence doesn’t preclude it.

Each person decides whether they are living in heaven or in hell.  No one is relegated to misery.  Moving into a heavenly existence starts with a realignment of one’s outlook.  It’s not magic.  Anyone can do it at any time.

There are a number of common traits that differentiate a hellish existence from a heavenly one.  People in this category always find problems in whatever situations they encounter.  They feel they are victims without any real control over their lives.  They constantly find fault with their lives and the lives of others.  There is always something wrong.

Regardless of how much they have, it’s never enough.  This attitude of perceived scarcity generates perpetual discontentment.  Regardless of how much is accumulated, there is no satisfaction.

They put inordinate importance on the acceptance and the approval of others.  As such, they seek to fulfill external expectations rather than following their own path.  Pursuing someone else’s goals results in frustration because it overrides the pursuit of your own.

Another notable trait is treating others poorly through rude and inconsiderate behavior.  This is often coupled with a view that some people are better and more deserving than others.  Your behavior effects what you attract.  Mistreatment of others will invariably result in your mistreatment.

People who have a heavenly existence share a number of characteristics.  In order for you to have a similar experience, simply follow their example.  Find the solutions which exist for whatever problems you are facing.  It may take some effort, but they are there.

Develop an attitude of gratitude.  Appreciate all the good in your life.  When you value what you have, you will always have more than you need.  Don’t take anything for granted.  Recognize that life is good, filled with wonder. 

Have your own goals that you are working towards.  It doesn’t matter what other people say, think, or do.  What’s important is the path you take.  Approval is not required to pursue your dreams.

Each individual is equal and important.  Treat all people with kindness and consideration.  Whenever possible, be helpful.  You can get everything you want by helping others get what they want. 

There’s no need to wait for the future.  You can live in heaven right now.  Regardless of what you may have been through, you can make significant improvements.  You change your life by changing your thinking.  Work on one aspect at a time and just keep going.

NOW AVAILABLE:  "Dare to Live Without Limits," the book.  Visit www.BryanGolden.com or your bookstore. Bryan is a management consultant, motivational speaker, author, and adjunct professor. E-mail Bryan at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or write him c/o this paper.  2010 Bryan Golden

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