"He cares about animals and nature,
and he believes that with a positive attitude,
we can have whatever we want."
Diana Ross, about Michael Jackson.
We have had lovely devotions focusing on gratitude this week already, so I have chosen to express my feelings about ATTITUDE!
Some people think they are like little boats being tossed around in the waves of life. Others feel that they have control of the rudder of their little boat, steering it where they choose to go. However you may feel about the workings of the universe, one think is sure. Each of us had total control and choice about our attitude. Our enjoyment of life, no matter what the circumstances or personal events may be, is in a large part decided by our attitude towards it. If we feel that life is happening TO us, and we don't like what's happening, we can choose to have an attitude of resentment and anger, or we may choose to have an attitude of determination and strive for what we would like to see happen for us. If we have everything we could ever want in life, we may have an attitude of smugness, or an attitude of fear of losing what we have, or we may have an attitude of giving, sharing and joy. No one can force us to change our attitude, not by force, or by coaxing, unless we agree. It is one thing that is always in our control, and it is also one thing that affects our enjoyment of life.
We all know examples of people who seem to have nothing, and are always joyful, as well as those who have all the material possessions imaginable and are miserable. It is only their attitude towards their own life that differs. Which one is truly blessed?
Michael is such a beautiful example. He always had a positive attitude, never wavering in his faith of the goodness of people. He always believed he could achieve his dreams, and he did.
One of the most important lessons we can teach our children is to have a good attitude. They learn by watching us, so we would do well to pay attention to our own attitude in circumstances that come up, and see if a change would be beneficial to ourselves and those around us. It's easy, once you try it a few times. Next time someone upsets you, in traffic, in a store or restaurant, try smiling and sending them love, and keep your attitude positive. The situation will be over in an instant, but your attitude about it can affect you for the rest of the day or longer. What attitude will you choose?
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