We can't control many of the situations that we encounter, but certainly, we can control how we react to them. The key of course, is our attitude. So, if we stock our arsenals with the following attitudes, we will be poised to face anything that comes our way.
An attitude of gratitude
Frequently, when a problem arises, our first response is to lose our temper, complain and cast blame. Plus, the longer with sit with those emotions, we open ourselves to depression and hopelessness.
Then, if someone says that we should be grateful for all the blessings we still have, we mouth a few words of thanks. I call that situational gratitude and it usually doesn't equip us to deal with problems that arise in the future.
In contrast, an attitude of gratitude is a mindset that infiltrates our lives at every level and we are grateful every day, whether or not we have a problem. Then when troubles arise, our attitude of gratitude kicks in as a first response and helps us to deal with our troubles with a better frame of mind.
We may still be tempted to get angry, throw up our hands in despair and wear our self-pity clothes. But because we have an attitude of gratitude, we have the ammunition to fend off those temptations and stand resolute whatever storms may blow into our lives.
Of course this attitude of gratitude is not something you can pick up one day and make it yours for life. Like all habits, you learn it gradually, falling and failing along the way. But if you persist in making it a lifestyle habit, it will be your first response in times of trouble and save you from becoming a victim of life's circumstances.
An attitude of compassion
More than the disturbing reports coming from every corner of the globe, I think it is the news that emanates from our country that slowly and quietly builds an attitude of complacency. In the safety of our homes we listen and feel helpless. The problems seem so out of control we believe that there is nothing we can do to stop or slow the downward spiral. But we are wrong. We can make a difference if we cease looking at the forest and focus on the individual trees. We can cease thinking in terms of the statistics and concentrate on the individuals who need help, encouragement and inspiration.
Are we making an effort, a genuine, though small effort to be compassionate towards others? Do we walk around with the belief that it is the government's responsibility alone? Our compassionate gestures don't have to be on par with what others have done or are doing. Our acts of kindness may never get media coverage but we can be angels in our own way.
Cultivate an attitude of compassion for your life arsenal and make it a way of life to use every opportunity to make a positive and meaningful contribution to someone's life.
An attitude for change
Are you a self-proclaimed resister of change? Some people wear this characteristic like a badge of honour but it is not an attribute to be proud of because you shut the door on wonderful opportunities that come knocking. After a while cynicism and fear becomes your first response to new ideas or a calls to step out of your comfort zone. Eventually, your life is nothing more than a bland and uneventful journey filled with mediocre efforts and less than satisfying experiences. You have no memories of lessons learned from failures and celebratory successes. Even worse, you cradle no plans or passionate dreams for the future.
Life is an endless round of changes in every sphere. When you resist change, particularly out of fear, you deprive yourself of opportunities to learn, grow and advance personally and professionally. You owe it to yourself to develop an attitude to consider and embrace viable and positive changes.
An attitude for simplicity
Life can be complex in complex in varying degrees and the more simplicity we can infuse in our days, the more relaxed, organized and contented we'll be. Modern day gadgets, appliances and systems help us to accomplish our daily tasks and manage our lives. However, the time and energy we save using them, we allot to other activities. So in the long run, we end up with our hands in many fires and just as exhausted as we were in the days before the invention of those modern-day conveniences.
Here are five suggestions to begin building an attitude for simplicity.
• De-clutter living and work spaces.
• Eliminate or at least minimize excessive activity.
• Take time to savour simple daily pleasures.
• Learn to say no.
• Refuse to feel guilty for pursuing a life of simplicity.
To cultivate an attitude for simplicity that will help you to navigate successfully through the complexities of life, you need to begin early and begin simply. Choose one of these suggestions or one that applies more directly to your circumstances. Repeat it as often as it takes to form a habit and then tackle another. Over time, this attitude will be integrated into your lifestyle and help you analyze and breakdown various situations so that they do not overwhelm you and control your life.
It takes consistent practice to develop a habit. Of course you need to begin with the conviction that these attitudes will enhance and enrich your life. The attitudes of gratitude and compassion and for change and simplicity will become four of the most effective ammunition in your life arsenal and they will help you approach and manage any life situation.
