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Like most, I start my day with a cup of coffee and scan the news on my iPad. Ugh! Emotional drain.

I hop in the shower, dress up for the day and get geared up for a "glorious" Monday. I walk to work through a couple blocks of a residential neighborhood. This morning I see a familiar face. My friend is outside with her little Bichon dog, Ben.

A person can't help but like Ben. He will turn 10 years old in a couple months, has soft curly white hair, and is always groomed and looking his best.

When Ben's dad picks up the ball, you see little Ben "go long" to get the ball. NOTHING IS MORE FUN THAN GETTING TO RUN AS FAST AS YOUR LEGS CAN TAKE YOU AND CHASE THE THINGS YOU LOVE! Ben will go get the ball, hand it to dadand will back up and "go long" again. Dad's throwing arm will tire out long before Ben's little legs will.

As I passed by little Ben's house on my walk to work, my heart was a little heavier that I wanted it to be. I see my little four-legged friend outside with his mom and stopped to say hello. I made my apologies to Ben, as I didn't have time to toss a ball or have any little treats for him. But I did have some little back scratches for him.

I made my goodbyes and continued on my walk. I reflected on my visit with Ben trying to figure out what it was about my visit with him that lightened my step that morning. What was the "take away" from this little encounter?

It occurred to me:

* Whatever the day brings, little Ben handles it minute-by-minute and day-to-day.

* If he dreads the day or pre-analyzes how bad it will be, he doesn't feel sorry for himself.

* He focuses on the things he loves, the people he loves, and he automatically gravitates toward the things that are safe for him.

* Surprisingly, he can do all this without a single social media post.

I recently saw a quote although I can't recall who said it: "You become what you focus on." Even Proverbs in the Bible says, "For as he thinks within himself, so he is." To Ben, life is belly rubs and chasing balls. Life is everything he enjoys because that is what he focuses on daily. Like my dad said when I learned to play softball, "Keep your eyes on the ball." I guarantee you that Ben knows where that ball is at all times!

After I made this mental list, I applied some of little Ben's secrets to my day:

* I allowed myself to think about the things I love instead of dreading the awful.

* I paid more attention to those I love, what was safe and what was unsafe for that day.

* I focused on the sunshine and the opportunity for the wind to blow through my hair.

* I started that day knowing that no matter what happened, I would end it at home in my little safe place with people I love around me.

Dogs live 100 percent in the now. Some dogs may not have Ben's life, or have the comforts that he has. But the amazing thing about a dog is that, even if he has a "less than spectacular" life, he can put it behind him. In time, the past means less and less to dogs because they are focused on living 110 percent in the moment. That is where their happiness lives - in the NOW. My mom used to say, "You can do anything for one day." Life is in the NOW.

It seems every news source, social media post and conversation compete for the next "outrage" reaction. Like most people, it is up to me to find my peace. I dictate that. I can foster my own happiness.

I want to: #BeLikeBen

- Karen Brilliant Andrews

Karen Brilliant Andrews, a natural born optimist, is the creator of "The View from Here, A Maine Focus."