Attitude

[Michelle stabilizes her soap box before stepping onto it.]

Is it possible for anyone to take pride in something that she feels is owed to her or that she feels is deserved? How do we learn to take pride in our actions and efforts? Is it not an osmotic thing, something absorbed from surrounding attitudes and reinforcements? So, what do you do that reinforces positive attitudes about hard work, selflessness, and pride above all in a job well done, rather than material or social rewards? Conversely, what do you expect from or complain about in others?

I like what New Hope Now has to say about perception of problems. When you believe something can be done or that something positive can happen, the problem seems less, well, problematic. Your sense of it changed and therefore the problem diminished in your mind. And ultimately, all problems are in our minds. The site goes on to list some points to ponder about your feelings toward a problem, such as reminders that we contribute to the problems we feel, and that problems are temporary. Good reminders, I think. Facing the music and accepting any level of responsibility, that's a lot tougher. But seriously, what have you got to lose? Maybe some problems, how does that sound?

And while I'm on the subject yet again of attitude, ask yourself, what is wrong with having a positive attitude? Does being negative actually make you feel good? So why hold on to the negativity? Does feeling good make you less productive? Does looking on the bright side mean you are weak? If you think positively, will you feel better? Why do we avoid feeling good?

Okay, lastly, just because I acknowledge my role in problems and feel good about myself does not mean I am justified in ignoring or furthering those problems. Unless or until I do something to remedy the problem, I am not helping anyone, myself included. Which brings me back to taking pride in one's actions. Do what is right because it feels good to do so. I hate the corporatization of this message, but man is it right: Just do it.

I'll discuss the pitfalls and personal experience with poor self discipline another day. Smile. Life is good. Or as Eric Idle sings...

If life seems jolly rotten
There's something you've forgotten
And that's to laugh and smile and dance and sing.

I thank you for your time. :)