ATTITUDE DETERMINES ALTITUDE
Unlike some things in life, we can choose our outlook. Sometimes we
just need a reminder that happiness can often simply be a result of
choosing attitudes:
I woke up early today, excited over all I get to do before the clock
strikes midnight. I have responsibilities to fulfill today. My job is
to choose what kind of day I am going to have.
Today I can complain because the weather is rainy or I can be
thankful that the grass is getting watered for free.
Today I can feel sad that I don't have more money or I can be glad
that my finances encourage me to plan my purchases wisely and guide me
away from waste.
Today I can grumble about my health or I can rejoice that I am alive.
Today I can lament over all that my parents didn't give me when I was
growing up or I can feel grateful that they allowed me to be born.
Today I can cry because roses have thorns or I can celebrate that
thorns have roses.
Today I can mourn my lack of friends or I can excitedly embark upon a
quest to discover new relationships.
Today I can whine because I have to go to work or I can shout for joy
because I have a job to do.
Today I can complain because I have to go to school or eagerly open
my mind and fill it with rich new tidbits of knowledge.
Today I can murmur dejectedly because I have to do housework or I can
feel honored because God has provided shelter for my mind, body, and
soul.
Today stretches ahead of me, waiting to be shaped. And here I am, the
sculptor who gets to do the shaping. What today will be like is up to
me.
I get to choose what kind of day I will have!
(Author unknown)
ATTITUDE
A little boy was overheard talking to himself as he strutted through the backyard, wearing his baseball cap and toting a ball and bat. "I'm the greatest hitter in the world," he announced. Then he tossed the ball into the air, swung at it, and missed. "Strike One!" he yelled. Undaunted, he picked up the ball and said again, "I'm the greatest hitter in the world!" He tossed the ball into the air. When it came down he swung again and missed. "Strike Two!" he cried.
The boy then paused a moment to examine his bat and ball carefully. He spit on his hands and rubbed them together. He straightened his cap and said once more, "I'm the greatest hitter in the world!" Again he tossed the ball up in the air and swung at it. He missed. "Strike Three! Wow!" he exclaimed. "I'm the greatest pitcher in the world!"
Your attitude determines how circumstances impact your life. The little boy's circumstances hadn't changed, but his optimistic attitude prompted him to give an encouraging meaning to what had happened.
What difficult time are you going through right now? Can you do something to change it? If you can, don't wait another day, make the needed changes. If you can't change the circumstance, however, change your attitude, you'll discover that circumstances won't have the last word.
Source unknown.
