Friday, June 10, 2011

The Importance of Keeping a Good Attitude

Great effort springs naturally from great attitude. -Pat Riley 

This time of year I see people all over the region who are planting gardens.  Not only are people planting their vegetable gardens, but they are also planting flowers.  A good and healthy garden requires tending, cultivating, water, and care.  Keeping the garden growing requires discipline and hard work.  The same can be said of attitude.  A good attitude requires tremendous effort.  It will not happen all by itself.  Like a healthy garden, a positive attitude must be cultivated, worked at, developed, and watered with good daily habits.   

Attitude affects our overall outlook on life, which in turn affects how we relate those around us.  We can drive people away or we can develop fulfilling and lasting relationships.  We can accomplish worthwhile goals or we can eek our way through life.  All of this is determined by our attitude.  Often when I find myself having a bad day or I am in a sour mood I stop and take inventory of my attitude.  What exactly will being a terrible mood accomplish?  The answer, of course, is nothing.  What exactly will I make better by being surly, hateful, and hard to deal with?  The answer, of course, is nothing.  Indeed, the problems I face will only be worse if I am ruled by a bad attitude.   

A bad attitude is akin to worry; it accomplishes nothing positive and adds nothing good to our lives.  In fact, the reverse is true.  Worry and a bad attitude cause us more trouble.  We must come to the place where we realize maintaining a positive attitude empowers us to keep going during those times when life gets hard.   

Stop and take assessment of your attitude today?  Are you pushing people away who might otherwise have helped?  Or are you blessing and encouraging those around you with your vitality and zest for life?  Ultimately, you have the power to decide.  I am a Christian and a pastor, therefore my slant is on seeking God through prayer and meditation on the Bible.  This has worked wonders in my life as God has empowered me to faith, which in turn has helped me to be a brighter and more positive person.  No matter your faith or beliefs, consider giving prayer a try.   

Life is right before us, and it’s intended for us to live.  Rise up today and seek a better attitude.  You family, friends, co-workers, and neighbors will love you for it, and you will be a happier person.  About those good habits; try these: 
  • Exercise daily.
  • Stop making negative statements.
  • Start eating healthy foods.
  • Read a good book instead of watching TV.
  • Plan your schedule each day and stick with it – keep a routine.
  • Set attainable goals for yourself.
  • Smile and say hello to strangers.
  • Seek to lend a helping hand whenever possible.
 Get a good attitude and keep it – today!