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31 Days — Positive Attitude (Day 9)

Tuesday, October 9th, 2012

WHAT I DO HAVE

I've been blessed to meet amazing people and experience wonderful places all throughout my life.  I can't complain.  But I do.

It's all part of that "glass half full" thinking.  Sometimes, I see the glass half empty. 

After a long morning of trying to make the internet here at my little cabin in the woods work….I got a little frustrated.

Then, I remembered—>that's one of the reasons why I'm here.  Duh!  My hubby, the IT dude has his work cut out for him.  He's been chasing wires & lines all morning (somewhere) here on this beautiful property.  My struggle to reach the outside world here at the main house is probably peanuts compared to what he's trying to accomplish.

Perspective.  I get it!

The big picture isn't usually what we imagine in our head, is it?  Instead of focusing on what I couldn't have this morning…..I should've focused on what I did.  I couldn't get the internet to cooperate but I did have a computer to type on (hello, Word).  I had no idea how to get the tv to come on and I'm pretty certain after I pushed every single button on the remote…neither will the Hageman's when they return but I had my pick of porches to sit on and enjoy.  I'm not sure who can live in a house that doesn't have ice and after this week, I'll let you know but I do have cold drinks in the fridge.  And seriously, APPLE iphone!  When I hit Publish on a post that I had to type on your tiny little touchy keys and you say FAILED, I'm of the thinking that you really mean it.  Not anymore, dude!  When I finally found I had internet service, I noticed Day 8 was posted 8 times on my blog!  8 times!  But I did have a post go through, right?

Attitude is all about perspective.  How I choose to see life's little troubles will be the attitude I portray to the world.  Same goes for you.  Keep your perspective in check when the darts of frustration shoot your way. 

“Life is ten percent what happens to you and ninety percent how you respond to it.”
—Lou Holtz

 

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31 Days — Positive Attitude Day 8

Monday, October 8th, 2012

I told you I’d be in the middle of nowhere TEXAS….and I did not fib. This little gem of a place is secluded from all that threatens to ail ya!

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Look, someone had to come. It might as well have been me. Right?

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The beauty here in Texas is magnified by the lovely family who saw fit to create a beautiful hunting preserve. They haven’t left any stone unturned. Those lucky enough to stay here in Sulphur Bluff, Texas will surely agree.

So my message to you today is slow down and get away. I know everyone can’t jump a plane to a far away land. But you can find a park or woods to sneak off to and walk alone for a few minutes.

I almost got a little jittery (attitude adjusted) when after an entire 3 hours I could not get Internet to work at this lovely cabin in the woods. So this encouraging post is coming to you courtesy of my handy dandy little iPhone.

You are welcome!

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31 Days To A Positive Attitude (Day 6 & 7)

Saturday, October 6th, 2012

Weekend Attitude Love

It's fall break here in my part of the country and I'm really excited that hubby and me are taking off on a trip together.  We're heading to Texas!  No kidding!  All the way to Texas!  I'm looking forward….to some rest & quiet time all to myself.  I don't think I'll be seeing anyone while I'm there because where I'm going, is in the middle of nowhere.

That just might be how Texas rolls!  I don't know!  Ever heard of Bogata?  Me either.  I'll let you know how it goes.  In the meantime, here's a little weekend attitude inspiration.  I'm going to need it….have to be at the airport by 5am and I'm allergic to early mornin's!

 

 

Keep on smiling, friends!

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31 Days To A Positive Attitude (Day 5)

Friday, October 5th, 2012

Day 5

 

Well, here we are on day 5 and the challenge to have a positive attitude (for me) has been put to the test every single day.  Just like I knew it would.  Strangely, I'm not deterred!  I'm beat up a little….but I am marching on, friends!

I haven't spoken to my mother since last Christmas when she hung up on me.  After years of the same toxic behavior, I decided that I wouldn't call back.  I can't remember the last time she called me or sent me a birthday card.  Any communication between us, came from me.

A bitter person…is his own worst enemy.

I've carried a lot of guilt because of our strained relationship.  I don't like not having a mother in my life.  I learned from an early age to adapt and make do. I've been in charge of making my life work for me pretty much all of my life.  Some would call that a coping mechanism.  It's worked for me.

I can't change her…but I can change me.

So, when I recognized the caller i.d. as hers on my home phone yesterday I admit my stomach tangled up in knots.  She never calls me.  My mind raced with questions and I felt that inescapable fear of confrontation.  After having a couple of rough days (me personally) I struggled with what to do.  I wasn't feeling my best emotionally.

My first instinct….was to never call her back.

After dinner, I called.  The conversation was light.  She had news to share.  Cancer is her new companion and she begins the process of fighting it today.  Doctors will attack the mass and for the next 6-8 weeks she will suffer the consequences of destroying that which threatens to end her life.

I'm not as surprised about the colon cancer…..as I am her attitude.

The mother on the phone last night was completely opposite of the one who hung up on me so many months ago.  Her thinking process seemed clear and her optimism was contagious.  As she described every detail of what was to come, she held tight to a positive outlook.

She didn't blame anyone…..or cry, woe is me.

Her attitude was incredible, even in spite of all the odds against her.  She's alone but has good friends to help her as she travels back and forth (1000 miles between us, seems cruel).  As a daughter, I feel helpless.  No mattter the water between us, she is my mother and I care about what happens to her. 

When I hung up the phone, I tried to process all that was said regarding the cancer.  Like anyone else, I thought of a million questions.  What stuck in my head was her reconciliation with the reality of her situation.  She knows this is going to be awful but she's choosing to have a positive attitude.

That's not her nature.

I'm inspired by her will to live and I'm reminded of what's important.  Love your life….live your life.  Don't miss any opportunities to say, "I love you" to the people you care about.

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31 Days To A Positive Attitude (Day 4)

Thursday, October 4th, 2012

Day 4

BE A LEADER

It's been one doozy of a day!  Matter of fact, I've spent quite a bit of it…crying.  After posting about not allowing stress to rule your attitude last time the devil hit me right in my blog mouth today!  Stress was the name of the game all day!

It's good to have family to come home to that loves you and believes in you when the world knocks you around, huh?  As I hunkered down on the couch with my family for the most important JOB INTERVIEW of the land, I felt a peace that only God could provide.  I also reflected on the day's events and realized just how important it is to be a good leader with a positive attitude.

So with puffy eyes….here goes my take on that.

1 — Positive leaders are in the power business.  Who wants to work where the power is out?  Not me!  I like energy!  A strong leader needs to have a positive attitude in order to pump those around them up to their best potential.  If the leader is ho-hum, you're most likely going to have the same result of those who are following.  

2 — Mirror images.  Who wants to be like the leader just getting by?  Not me!  I want excellence.  I want to follow excellence and by that I'm inspired to be excellent myself.  A positive leader who leads with passion ultimately causes those around them to rise up to their level.  

3 — Enthusiasm excites.  Have you ever been around someone with an electrifying personality?  You can't help but catch the fever too.  But someone has to strike the match for that enthusiasm to ignite.  A contagious positive person does that.  People want to follow when the leader is on fire!

I know I'm not the only one that work and life stress beats up on.  I admit everyday isn't as harsh as today has been.  However, I'm smart enough to see when leadership isn't up to par either.  But, what can I do about that?  Not a lot when I'm just a follower of poor leadership examples.  So, I turn to Christ for the power, image to mirror and the enthusiasm that I'm not finding in my day.

So let me encourage you to do the same.  Be smart about poor leadership and don't let it tear you apart when you're striving for excellence.  If you're a leader that seems to be stuck in a world of average, rise up!  Find your power…recognize someone is mirroring you and for goodness sake crank up your enthusiasm!

Don't be that guy…

 

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31 Days Of A Positive Attitude (Day 3)

Wednesday, October 3rd, 2012

DAY 3

BE HEALTHY

Did you know that having a positive attitude can help you live longer & healthier? It's true!  Some say that it's the benefit of having an optimistic outlook on life.  Psychologists have done studies that show college students who have a positive attitude or are optimistic are actually healthier at age 40 than those who do not.

Wow, really?  Who knew?

If you've ever walked through cancer or an illness with a friend or family member, you may have a taste of how that person's attitude contributed to their experience.  Having a positive attitude can make or break the effects of medications, treatments and overall outcome.  Doctors are quick to encourage patients and their families to have a positive outlook because they've seen firsthand what that does for their patients.  

I've heard story after story of very ill patients regaining full health because of a healthy positive attitudes.  So, my question to you is….why would you want to have anything but a positive attitude?  If having one means a healthier you, why not?  Oh but it's not always that easy, is it?

Life challenges, stress and grief are a few reasons I can think of off the top of my head to have a bummer attitude.  Let's face it, those are legit reasons to feel that way.  I'm pretty optimistic myself until something really stressful (hello, car problem?) happens and then my whole attitude is put to the test because of my tendancy to wig out.

So, what can we do when life gets stressful?

1 — Go to a happy place!  I'm not talking about taking off for the beach for vacay (unless of course, you can).  I'm simply directing you to a quiet, peaceful place (maybe at home or a favorite walking lane).  Get away by your self and just listen to nothing.  Finding a peaceful place to think and meditate for just a few minutes just might give you the new perspective your attitude needs.

2 — Do something FOR YOU!  I don't know how often you neglect yourself, but I'm pretty good at ignoring my own needs and focusing on my kids.  Therefore, I end up really bitter and frustrated when things don't quite go right.  Remember, doing something for yourself only helps you be a better you.  Now, this doesn't mean neglect all of your other responsibilities.  It just means, go-do something fun for you!

3 — Share your heart!  As women, we need other women.  Women have the ability to listen and sympathize.  They know how to meet your emotional needs.  Hubby's aren't equipped to JUST LISTEN.  Oh they will.  But then, they'll want to "solve" your problem.  A girlfriend, she's good at just listening and letting you vent it out.  She doesn't have to solve it.  Just sympathize!   Am I right?

Years ago, I was a young seminary wife with 3 small kids and a busy studying husband.  I loved being home with my kids and I loved taking care of my family….but, there were times I needed a break.  Sadly, a stay-at-home mom doesn't always get that.  I recognized my need for socialization was affecting my attitude.

God had an answer to my need.  He sent other mom's looking for some fellowship just like me.  Every couple of weeks, after we fed our families and put our kids to bed….we met for an evening of chick fun!  We had the best time together.  Sometimes we did a Bible study and other times we just shared dessert & coffee with a ton of talking.  God used that time in my life as a booster shot for my attitude.  I left there rejuvenated and ready to tackle my mama job with a happy heart.

My point?  Invest in yourself!  Do something to fill up your tank and watch your attitude brighten!

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