Decisive Perspective

Asiatic lily

Regardless of whether we realize it or not, everyday we choose our attitude and ultimately our day's outcome.

I recently had this discussion with a young Army soldier. I reminded him how each of us view our world a little differently. We each have a different filtering system. 

 

We can allow circumstances, that are usually out of our control...that we may not agree with or completely understand to negatively impact our attitude if we aren't careful.

I am of the opinion that to have a positive attitude we have to focus on the beauty that surrounds us everyday. We have to look past the glaring flaws that we see in others and most importantly, in ourselves, to see what God truly has created in us and for us. In my occupation, I catch myself every so often...okay, EVERYDAY, getting irritated with people and letting that negative emotion and those negative thoughts diminish my happiness.That's why I have to guard my heart and mind and constantly think on the things that are lovely, pure, honest, true and so on...because I know...

Clematis

 You are what you think. You are what you dwell on...you are and feel what you're most consumed with.

 

...and if it's a choice...and I know that it is...I choose to see the beautiful. I choose to feel the extraordinary. I choose to smell and taste the scent of deliciousness that is extreme happiness everyday, every hour, every minute that I'm alive. I refuse to give in to the temptation to dwell on the 'could have been' the 'should have been' or the 'that's not fair' mantra that keeps sneaking into my ear holes and slicing into my spirit. 

 

When I catch myself feeling that ugly, frown-making emotion (that usually strikes me hardest when driving...on any given interstate...on any given day) and I feel those old, hateful fingers of constant complaining tapping out a tune on my 

Pansies

dashboard...I hope I'll remember to slam on the thought brakes as hard as I can and shut the negativity down before it takes control and guides my emotional vehicle for the rest of the day.

I sense you're smiling right now, but you're still skeptical. You don't think it's that easy.

 

You don't have to agree with my point of view, but would you be so kind as to experiment with my theory today...for just one day?

 

No matter what happens, no matter who cuts you off in traffic or drives under the speed limit in the passing lane, or goes out of their way to try to make you mad, sad, angry, upset, defeated, discouraged, depressed, despondent, disillusioned, dissatisfied, fat, thin, short, tall, too much or too little...would you try to shift your focus on something that makes you happy? Something positive!

Larkspur spp.

Maybe think of those beautiful, green eyes of that special person that you love or a flowery plant that lifts your mood the second you see its cheery, delicate face or smell it's sweet sweet fragrance?...will you try? If you take my simple, yet challenging challenge, I'd love to hear from you. I would benefit greatly from your honest feedback.

 

Just try it one day and get back with me...and if it doesn't work for you...At least you'll know it isn't my ADD that has me breathing in deeply and saying over and over..."Ahhhh, look at that beautiful  flower!"