Change Your Attitude and Be Happy
by Sara W.
(Bailey, Colorado, USA)
There was a time in my life when it seemed like everything was going wrong. My boyfriend and I were really struggling financially and it seemed like every day something new came up, a minor car accident, a costly trip to the vet, and then our car got repossessed. I felt like there was nowhere to turn and I was losing hope.
Millie, my dog was misbehaving, my boyfriend and I were constantly arguing and I felt like things were getting out of control. I realized that I was not living happily, and I couldn't take it anymore.
I had a talk with my boyfriend on how to bring happiness back into our lives in the midst of all the chaos. We agreed to try and take things less seriously and focus on making each other laugh. After just a few days, and a reminder every now and then... It worked!
Now every time I try to look at the bright side of things and although some things still need improvement I am happy because I feel in control.
I feel hopeful that things will get better, and best of all I am laughing more and having a good time.
It is amazing to me how easily a seemingly hopeless situation can be turned around just by a change in perspectives and attitude.
One thing I'm trying to do to lighten up is thinking about something a little bit longer before I react. For example, this past Monday morning I was late for work because a car broke down in the freeway and the traffic was all backed up. I was about to react with anger when I remembered my commitment to change and switched my thoughts to...
Do I really need to feel angry in traffic and anxious about being late or can I just sit back and feel grateful that at least it's not me the one with the car problems?
Do I need to yell at the slow bank teller or can I stop and think that maybe they are just having a difficult day?
Little attitude adjustments like this help me be happy everyday, and the more I do it, the more I become a "new" me that I love.
The big Aha! moment came when I realized it was my attitude about things that got in my way, not the things in particular. Bad things will always happen, that’s life, but it is me who can control how I react to them and when I react positively, the outcome is always a positive one!
