It's All In The Attitude

Yes, I admit it.

I have an attitude.

Have you ever wondered where the negative connotations of that phrase came from? In itself, it's not inherently positive or negative, reflecting only a response to the world around us. It can be optimistic or pessimistic, trusting or suspicious, caring or malicious, empathetic or indifferent - any given individuals may be polar opposites in the manner in which they relate to their environment.

Have you thought about your own attitudes, about everyone and everything? Sometimes we just need to take a little time to sit down and become aware of ourselves and how we deal with life.

I tend to be pretty optimistic about life generally and too trusting of people (it scares my cynical husband to death). Yes, it's disappointing when people let me down but what is the other option - expect little from others and never have the satisfaction of inspiring them to do their best?

Yes, there are con artists and manipulative, destructive individuals out there but what happens to me if I let that warp my entire global view and turn my world into the treacherous swamp in which those people choose to live? It becomes a private "Patriot Act" that allows fear and vulnerability to intrude into the personal decency of the vast majority of people.

No, thanks. I'll keep my optimism and faith in people intact. If that causes emotional pain, victimization, or even death, at least I have lived in a world colored with sunlight, generosity, and vibrant hope. That, for me, beats a long barren existence on an ice-cold planet of ominous darkness.