I Got a New Attitude!

With the constant snow and cold this past winter, maintaining a positive attitude has been quite difficult.  Even as I write this during the first week of spring, temperatures are well below what they should be, and the frigid air makes it tough to look on the bright side when your eyes are watering from the constant chill.  I keep reminding clients to seek out fun in warm places like Russell's Garden Center in Wayland, an indoor tropical paradise, or to rise above it all by walking in the air at the BeanStalk Adventure Ropes Course inside Jordan's Furniture in Reading.  But let's face it, outside distractions can only take us so far.  It is what is on the inside that really counts to help us face those gloomy, tough days.

You've heard the expression "attitude is everything."  True, it is hard to get motivated when you're down and things have not gone your way.  There is comfort in one's misery - similar to wearing your favorite worn-out sweatshirt. Wallowing in self-pity has its perks, such as eating a pint of Ben and Jerry's or binge-watching Lifetime movies with a box of tissues next to you.  But after being there for more than a day, we often still feel lousy. Taking time for yourself to recuperate and relax is a good thing.  But holding onto a belief system that we should remain inside our own head, feel like the world owes us, or think we deserve to be treated badly, is far from healthy.  That is when your attitude really matters most.  The key is remembering we have a choice as to whether we want to make it better or remain instead in that worn-out, pitiful sweatshirt desperately in need of a wash.

Take this example from the movie, Skeleton Twins.  Kristin Wiig and Bill Hader, play brother and sister going through extremely tough times.  In this particular scene (click for the Youtube video), Wiig is frustrated that life isn't going her way so Hader tries to gear her through song in a different direction.  He tries unsuccessfully for a few minutes, but eventually she breaks down and joins him, realizing that if just one person cares, that is all we need.  "Nothing's Gonna Stop Us Now" by Starship, a wonderfully upbeat, cheesy 80's ballad, transforms the situation. Unrealistic? Exactly the opposite.  She certainly could go back to self-pity right afterwards, but that, again, would be her choice.  And where is that going to get her?  Not very far from her couch.

Attitude matters and can make all the difference -- along with just one person (or pet!) who cares.  Our attitude is determined by the choices we make and vice versa.  We CHOOSE our attitude.  It is not always easy but you're in great company - trust me!  Having the courage to change, risking failure, leaving your mark on the world by finding your own meaning, not taking yourself too seriously, making another person's day, and incorporating play into your everyday world are some specific ways to stay afloat in a what can be a weary world.  Life is an adventure where sometimes things go in your favor and other times not so much -- but it is what you make of it that truly counts.

All of these ideas are part of the FISH! book philosophy by Stephen Lundin.  It is a very short book, worthy of your consideration.  It also is this year's Community Read book choice for the Flint Public Library in Middleton so they have plenty of copies on hand.  Stop in and borrow one.

For more ideas on how to incorporate the FISH! philosophy into your everyday life and work, join me on Monday, April 27th from 6:30pm to 8pm at the Flint Public Library, One South Main Street in Middleton, for my motivational talk entitled "Finding Inspiration and Sharing Happiness: Enjoying Life with a New Attitude."  The talk is free and open to the public. And as anyone whose attended my talks knows, the night is always filled with humor and chocolate!  Hope to see you there!