The end of one year and beginning of a new one. What reflections can we carry forward?
The longer I live, the more I realize the impact of attitude on life. Your attitude determines your latitude is a quote with much merit. Attitude, to me, is more important than facts. It is more important than the past, than education, than money, than circumstances, than failures, than successes, than what other people think or say or do. It is more important than appearance, talent or skill. It will make or break a company…a church…a home.
The remarkable thing is, we have a choice every day regarding the attitude we will embrace for that day. Reflecting for 5 minutes each morning, as you begin your day, does set a tone and does bring reflection into your consciousness. It was a practice I did on my way to work each day, visualizing my service to others. It works in all social settings. Athlete’s and other successful people have found similar ways to stay focused.
We cannot change our past…we cannot change the fact people will act in a certain way. We cannot change the inevitable. The only thing we can do is to play on the one string we have and that is our attitude. Life is 10% what happens to you and 90% how you react to it. I believe this statement. I have witnessed persons doing a 180 degree change to their circumstances and finding a life worth joy. This also is where hope resides. Attitude Is Everything!
Buddhism is a way of living and the Dalai Lama has been a beacon of hope to our planet with his wise words, words that reflect an attitude of acceptance. “Every day, think as you wake up, today I am fortunate to be alive, I have a precious human life, I am not going to waste it. I am going to use all my energies to develop myself, to expand my heart out to others; to achieve enlightenment for the benefit of all beings. I am going to have kind thoughts towards others, I am not going to get angry or think badly about others. I am going to benefit others as much as I can.” Words matter, even those we speak to ourselves.
In closing out this year and embarking on my own new decade ahead, I am including a poem which reflects my attitude of hope. May your year ahead have clarity and hope for whatever it brings.
Road Map of My Life
The lines across my face are the road map of my life
Look closely and you’ll see its many paths
Deep rutted laugh lines, signs of joys and pleasures
The brow reveals pain and sorrow, the bridge it’s many frustrations
Ah, but the eyes, twinkling still, full of life and longing,
Eager for unknown discoveries, yet a youthful glean,
Ageless and serene
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