Maybe you need an "attitude adjustment!"
I did. I have always thought of myself as a positive person with a totally optimistic attitude. I think I'm expert at making lemonade from lemons and snow cream from snow. I'm one of those glass half full people. HONEST!!
A recent string of frustrating events in my life turned me into a "whiny baby". Suddenly I was throwing a "pity party" every day. I ignored my gratitude journal and made sure everybody around me knew what unfair things were going on in my life. The new level of activity in our office with showings, listings and closings became more fodder for complaints instead of the source of rejoicing it should be.
At home my husband's surgery meant that I had to take over his duties along with mine and be a caregiver to boot. He was impossibly needy! This entire surgery was the result of his own immaturity. Imagine hang gliding at 73! Why should my life be put on hold for him? Well, OK, I have always loved the fact that he's an adventuresome, exciting man who never lets age become an obstacle. Forget the fact that he's nursed me through at least three times as many surgeries and illnesses as I have him and so what if he normally manages the house including the meal planning and cooking in order for me to be a successful REALTOR. He's a pain in my---.
My friends and co-workers were no better. They didn't even seem to want to take time to support me. I don't think they even cared how hard my life was. They seemed to think I should be thrilled to have all those buyers, sellers, new listings and closings. even thought I didn't have time to properly manage them. What is wrong them? My best friend was even late for a planned event with me one day. Boy did I complain about that. (How was I supposed to know she'd had a medical emergency?)
Oh, and my family! Talk about ingrates! Amy often replied with sarcasm and sometimes "forgot" to return my calls. Meredith (otherwise known as Pollyanna) even had the nerve to suggest that I be grateful for the increased business and Ted's recovery. About now, I imagine my entire circle of collegues, family and friends were just about ready to give up on me.
STOP!
Then a few days ago I read:
Cynda reminded me of who I really want to be. I pulled out my dusty gratitude journal and began to write. I had some catching up to do. I didn't even bother to list the beautiful island where I live, my health, the beach...Those things could fill the journal all by themselves. I listed: My wonderful husband, our health, my thriving (again) business, my active rain friends, second chances, my local friends, daughters who are strong enough to tell me when I'm being an ass negative, lemons and snow. And now I have a new item to list in my gratitude journal. Cynda Rader. Thanks Cynda.
Comments (9)Subscribe to CommentsComment