Attitude

This entry is so inspired by Liz at ...but then I had kids... Thanks Liz. For inspiring me in so many ways.

It really, truly is all about your attitude.

I admit it, for a major portion of my life, I had a horrible outlook on life. As a teen, I was convinced I wouldn't live to see 30. How horrible is that? Imagine my surprise as I embark upon my 40's.

Even after my beautiful boy was born, I still had periods of irritability and was frequently unhappy whenever I experienced a lack of control. This causes me much regret. Especially when you realize as a new mother - you have no control.

I can't pinpoint when it finally sunk in to my brain - that you can choose to be happy. It sounds so very trite. But it's so very true.

If you decide one day, to wake up and say, "Yes, my life is not perfect, but . . . I have so many things to be thankful for; such as my beautiful son and my fabulous husband." You must decide how to view things in your life. As plusses or minuses.

Several years ago, when I was visiting my home-state, a friend commented that I wasn't as unhappy as I used to be. Back when I lived there I complained - a lot. I was constantly tired and never seemed to be happy about anything.

It was clear that I was no longer the person I used to be. Yes, apparently she liked me even though I was a pessimist and constantly irritated; but it seemed, she liked me even more as the person I had become. That day, my eyes were really opened. I had been a shrill, unhappy individual. Now, I was a person who was happy; really happy. I was a different person. Someone who embraced her life and didn't let set-backs set her back.

Granted, there were childhood issues that most definitely attributed to my outlook. But you know, as I have matured I have realized that no matter what issues you have had to deal with in your childhood that does not have to rule, or define, who you decide to become.

Life is definitely not easy and you shouldn't turn a blind eye to trouble; but in the every day minutiae of life you get to decide; is it a good day or isn't it?

As I have embraced this new attitude my eyes have been opened to just how many unhappy and negative people there are - and how contagious their attitudes can be. Luckily, a cheerful, optimistic attitude can be contagious too. And I try really hard to infect as many people as I can on a daily basis.