I have a choice.
I could wake this morning, annoyed that winter is on its way, and I’ll soon be shoveling walks and hauling firewood; or I could appreciate the built-in exercise routine that doesn’t require a monthly health club fee.
I could be angry that I am a single mom with full responsibility for raising two kids by myself; or I could appreciate how fortunate I am that they are with me 98 percent of the time.
I could be missing the much nicer house we used to live in, and the lack of money worries; or I could appreciate that this home is full of love and comfort, and my kids have learned valuable lessons that come from living within our means.
I could be annoyed by the mess from the English Muffins and coffee makings; or I could appreciate that they can make their own breakfast, and make me a cup while they’re at it.
I could be anxious that I’m single and 49; or I could revel in the sheer joy of being single and 49.
I could be worried about what the future holds, and whether I’ll benefit from the choices I’m making; or I could trust that the level of contentment I see in the three of us is a good indication that we are headed in the right direction.
I could be cranky about having started a bathroom remodel when I know next to nothing about such things; or I could turn this into a homeschool project where all three of us learn in the process.
I could bark at the kids when I can’t handle the mess; or I could acknowledge that this is their house, too, and gently ask them to help when I feel overwhelmed.
__________
I could choose to see what is wrong in our life and our choices; or I could choose to see what is right.
I can choose to wake with a positive attitude and greet my two with a smile and a kind voice that gets the day off to a good start.
I have a choice.
*Thank you, Kate. ;)
Tags: child of narcissist, divorce, humor, in search of self, life, Parenting, proactive, school
One of my first spiritual teachers was Dr Rutilio Romero, who started what is now called the Dynamic Living Process.
Some of his most important and powerful teachings were about your attitude and choosing positive thoughts.
Course, being much older now I can’t remember them without looking at my notes! :)
Wow – it is simply amazing how much we have in common. Virtually every word in this post could have been written by me. Paragraphs 2, 3, 5, 6 and 8 – totally my life. (Not so much for shoveling snow here in the city and no bathroom remodels in a rental lol).
I just wrote a post that makes a similar point (but not nearly as eloquently!) about choosing how you see your life and what a difference it makes if you choose to see it as a pleasant experience rather than a stressful one. Attitude is so very important. I am now counting my blessings much more often.
Hugs to you!
Donna,
I think you’ve sent me stuff about the Dynamic Living Process. I’ll have to check it out again.
Notes are a life-saver for me. Plus, it’s good to re-read periodically, in case I’m in a better place for receiving the intended message.
Jessica,
I have to think that most of those paragraphs apply to the divorced, single mom. *sigh*
I’m still glad I’m on this side of that relationship!
Hugs to you and yours, too.
Jesse,
This is such good reminder for me today. I feel like I have put in a full day’s work just to get everyone out the door and on their way for the day–including myself.
Through my journey/life/days and nights, I have been trying to flip things upside down and look for the potential, even in the bad stuff, for good and for thankfulness. It does not work all the time, but it helps me a lot.
I am grateful for the kindness of a solid friend, the prayers and love we receive, and the winks from the Universe that keep me going.
All the best always ; ) . . .Thank you for your beautiful writings!
There have been times (mostly in my therapists office) that I mention something bad that happened and then I laugh. I forget that the first time someone else hears a bad story, it is their first reaction to the information. So I guess myself and think: Did I not realize the magnitude of how horrible that was? And every time, it wasn’t that at all. It was my attitude toward it. Of course, there was a stronger reaction from me when it happened. It was just that time had passed and it didn’t affect me the same anymore. The same thing happened when I decided to stop re-injuring myself with my journal. I put it away and moved on. Attitude is powerful.
Lynn,
I know what you mean… it isn’t always easy, and it doesn’t always work, especially when you consider the person we are dealing with – the Ns.
But I definitely see a difference in my kids. We are in the doldrums much less than we used to be. I know the better attitude is what gets us headed in the right direction more often.
The best to you and yours, as well. ;)
Z,
So much can be achieved with attitude. Just look at how it impacts the way we view everything.