I liked this story so much that I had to share it with you.

The author, according to the friend who sent this to me, is unknown. The message, however, is one that you’ve known and possibly forgotten.

Here’s how the story goes:

One day not too long ago the employees of a large company in St. Louis, Missouri returned from their lunch break and were greeted with a sign on the front door. The sign said: “Yesterday the person who has been hindering your growth in this company passed away. We invite you to join the funeral in the room that has been prepared in the gym.”

At first everyone was sad to hear that one of their colleagues had died, but after a while they started getting curious about who this person might be.

The excitement grew as the employees arrived at the gym to pay their last respects. Everyone wondered: “Who is this person who was hindering my progress? Well, at least he’s no longer here!”

One by one the employees got closer to the coffin and when they looked inside it they suddenly became speechless. They stood over the coffin, shocked and in silence, as if someone had touched the deepest part of their soul.

There was a mirror inside the coffin: everyone who looked inside it could see himself. There was also a sign next to the mirror that said: “There is only one person who is capable to set limits to your growth: it is YOU.

You are the only person who can revolutionize your life. You are the only person who can influence your happiness, your realization and your success. You are the only person who can help yourself.

Your life does not change when your boss changes, when your friends change, when your parents change, when your partner changes, when your company changes. Your life changes when YOU change, when you go beyond your limiting beliefs, when you realize that you are the only one responsible for your life.

Life is often defined as “good” or “bad” based on what you experience.

Like many people, I’ve experienced some tragic things in my life, ranging from the death of family members and addiction; to job loss, hair loss (talk about tragic) and other more mild situations.

Some suggest that I could be resentful and bitter about life. Yet, that’s not my desire. And although getting through some of these events has been challenging, I choose to use the wisdom from my experiences to help others succeed.

In these difficult economic times, it’s possible that there’s a lot being added to your life experience list. While most of it might seem bad, it doesn’t have to alter the way you see your life or how you behave. You can remain positive and use your own circumstances to benefit others, even though your life may be challenging.

Life isn’t about what happens to you.  It’s what you do with it. Watch this video and if you’re feeling like you have cause to be bitter, this might give you a different perspective.