Positive Attitude

I was feeling sorry for myself tonight. Never mind why....oh, okay, I'll tell you. I'm under pressure, my neck hurts, things keep changing, my mind is spinning and my husband's one country away right now. All that adds up to Poor Me. I was meditating when I realized this and so I let myself cry for a minute. Well, two minutes maybe.

What occurred to me after two (very satisfying) minutes of tearfulness, is that I am actually exactly where I should be, doing exactly what I should be doing, for exactly the right reasons. And furthermore, I asked to be here. So how is it that I could -- even for a short time -- be a victim to my situation?

It's a trick, an illusion, to have this boo-hoo-negative-Poor-Me interpretation of your life. Or I should say, my life. I happen to be in a pretty intense spiritual transformation situation at the moment, but I've had this same interpretation of life during more "regular" times. So, can't blame it on spiritual transformation.

Well anyway, we're not going to blame it on anything. The point is, it's best to have a positive attitude about your life. Then you can carry on or change things if needed. Or at least be good company for others.

Here's what I DON'T mean by having a good attitude:

• Richard Simmons' persona, also known as toxic cheerleader syndrome (see above)

• Julie Andrews in the Sound of Music bursting into song at the slightest provocation

• Repeating positive affirmations when what you really feel is just the opposite

Here's what I DO mean by having a good attitude:

• Noticing if there's any self-judgment, discouragement and negative thinking going on.

• Kicking out the self-judgment, discouragement and negative thinking. They aren't real.

• Considering what you've been praying for and if you're actually getting it. You probably are.

• Letting your face relax into a smile, because it's pretty funny to be upset about getting what you asked for OR

• Resolving to change your prayer (ask for something different) if necessary.

I'm not going to change my prayer, except to intensify it. I trust that God is bringing me closer to Him through all of this. And it's good that my mind is spinning. It's been running the show for too long. And I'm sure I'll see my husband soon enough...

Here's an ancient proverb that I like:

To everyone is given the key to heaven; the same key opens the gates of hell.

I wish you a good day and a good attitude.