SO TRUE, read the original attitude/inspiration

[Guest guest]

AMEN, GRETCHEN!

The state of my own personal struggles, including of dealing with DSS

(CMT III), I realized some years ago that I must greet the world with a

smile, a positive attitude. An example is that I am currently dealing

with a myriad of extremely difficult situations, however everyday when I

wheel down to the coffee shop, where I take some time for myself and sit

and watch the people pass, or ponder my next move - I have received

comments, actually I received one yesterday, that exemplifies my

philosophy of greeting the 'world' with a positive attitude. First of

all, by smiling and saying hello, to people I pass, EVERYONE knows me

and even months later someone I said hi to, or made them smile, will

come up and say hi - and I only saw them one time. Sorry, back to

yesterday - a man that frequents the same coffee shop, asked me WHY, I

was always so pleasant and curtious. I was taken back, I didn't think

people really noticed, and I said, " I guess I feel like it takes more

energy to be upset or indifferent, then it does to be friendly. " I'm not

saying I'm some kind of " stepford cripple, " with a smile permanently

attached to my face(sorry, didn't mean to offend - it sounded funny to

me, with the film reference and all:) However, I don't waste my SO very,

very precious strength on things I can't change - such as bills, or

someone cutting me off when I'm driving, or contruction workers waking

me up early or whatever. I simply assess whether it is 'worth it' to use

up my 'supply' of energy and you know what, it usually isn't.

When I drove across the country to California, all by myself, nine years

ago - I had A LOT of time to think. I was in a new place, no one knew me

and it was a wonderful opportunity to put my new philosophies of life

into action. Nine years later, I may not have YET succeeded in my

professional goals, which are a key to who I am, my goals, I mean - but

by not getting angry at those simply, annoying things I can't control,

doing on to others as I would do onto myself, shaking of that frown and

smiling and making simple eye contact with people, truly keeping my

'word' and trying my best to 'be there' for everyone who may need me,

has changed my life so much. It has brought wonderful people into my

life, given me hope for the future - a 'hope' that can't be destroyed,

shaken at times, perhaps, but NEVER broken. There are so many more

'healthy' ways to get through the pain, difficulties and 'let down's'

that life can and will bring - I personally, try and get over the

feelings of anger and frustration, before I go out into my 'world.' This

DOES NOT mean that I don't have bad days, we all do, but they aren't the

fault of that guy who 'cut me off' while I was driving. Does this make

sense? I hope so. There are times when someone may call or come over at

a moment while I am still in the process of 'assessing' a set-back, or

received bad news. I tell them, I need a moment, I either 'put it aside'

for a bit or if it is a friend, I may ask if I can talk about it and

'get it off my chest.' However, I AM trying not to 'dump on people,'

it's HARD not to, I'm still working on it, but my life is so much

'brighter' then it used to be, by simply adopting a more positive

outlook and NEVER giving up when another obstacle 'pops up' or I have

another major 'set-back' or 'let-down.'

Thank you for THIS post, Gretchen, I believe in these words you have put

into this message, wholeheartedly!!!! (did a little birdy 'tell you

something,' or is this an incredible coincidence -

Regardless, it is a true, honest and hopefully far reaching message.

Peace & Love to ALL

Judy g.

Little Birdy, I AM FINE - promise

Gretchen Glick wrote:

> The attitude a person cultivates is solely an individual matter.

> Money

> doesn't determine it. We have all known healthy, resentful people.

> Health doesn't determine it

> either. Many of us with CMT still can encounter the day wearing a

> smile.

> Deciding to

> feel blessed, thus content with life, comes from our interior spaces.

> We

> do reflect to others whatever we feel within.

>

> What kind of people are we? The good news is that whoever we have been

>

> doesn't need to limit us anymore. We aren't committed to being

> depressed

> or fearful or angry

> unless we have given our power over to that emotion. And even if we

> have, we can take it back and be serene and hopeful instead.

>

> We are in charge of our perspectives today, like every day.

> Beginning the day with positive attitudes gives us peace and lessens

> stress.

>

>

> Paraphrased from Keepers of Wisdom by Casey

>

>