Why does this happen to me?

I recently read a book in which the author estimates that about half of the population of this planet functions as victims. These are people who see the world as exerting power over them that creates misery, pain, and scarcity. They bemoan their fate and yet do little to change it. They have forgotten that they have choices in all aspects of their lives. Rather than allow circumstances to dictate the place that they are in, they can step back and review their options and act on the ones that best serve them in positive ways. For many people this would require a major shift in their thinking. I know that it did for me when I chose to step out of a victim mentality. It begins with small steps towards reclaiming your power and knowing that you are here to experience all the good that life has to offer. Begin with an event that might cause you to assume the victim role and make a conscious decision to act or think differently about it than you had in the past. Then watch what happens. Notice how that feels. You don't have to do it perfectly...just do something to begin to launch that shift. When was the last time you felt like a victim and how could you handle it differently in the future?