Topic of the week: * * Attitude * *

[SunnyGirl]

Attitude is everything! When I am focused and
positive it just sorta seems that life runs in that
same direction. When I allow my self to turn
molehills into mountains, by giving them to much
attention, my attitude stinks. Getting trapped in
a negative attitude seems to set the pace for
my entire day.

When I spend to much time worrying about the
problem, I can't see the solution. Sometimes the
answer will be sitting right there in front of my face
but I can't see it for all the other noise in my head.

My sister and I have had a very difficult relationship
lately. I refused to call her on the phone or go to
her home, because it seemed she was always to
busy to talk or visit. She refused to call me, because
she had called last. (doesn't this sound childish?)
This situation has other little side story's but the
end result was, we don't speak. And it bothers me!

I felt like I had taken the high ground and I was
positive my actions were beyond reproach. And there
was no way in hell I was giving in! She on the other
hand, felt equally certain she was in the right on this
one.

Yesterday, I broke down and called her and she did
have time to talk. She told me she was angry because
I never call her. And I said, sorry I let my pride get in
the way! We both managed to let go of the "old
feelings" and talked about ways to include each other
in our lives.

I can't change other people or their attitudes, but I
can change mine. I am easing up on my expectations
of others and hoping that by doing this, life will flow
just a little smoother.

Thank God, the 12 step programs allow us to start
again on our recovery each and every day. When I
am wrong, I can admit it and begin to look for a better
way. How's your attitude today?

Peace on the journey, ~SG~

[lildee]

SunnyGirl,
This one I have to agree with you 100%. Attitude is everything. When I am feeling miserable and in a down mood my whole day just goes that way --- blah. But if I try to start the day on a positive note the outlook for the day is a whole lot brighter.

If you just get out of God's way and let Him handle the tough stuff then we have no reason for worry, or feel down. Got to keep turning it over to God. We all have our problems, mental, physical and/or spiritual, but there is only one solution. Have faith in God. God will never do us wrong. It just may not be as fast as we like but He knows all. And when the time is right for us.

Most of the time, with a great deal of perseverence I can turn it around . I blast the music, or meditate, or pray. One of them usually works. But they all wind up leading to God.

[usdupn02]

Attitude...I try to keep a positive attitude these days and it certainly helps my coping skills with daily problems. Sometimes keeping the positive attitude means avoiding certain people, turning off the news, and basically just giving myself a break from the inundation of distressing news that is available. This is especially true if I am extra tired (H.A.L.T. comes into play a lot!!) After I give myself a break, I can come back with my good attitude again and face the world for another day.

Janet

[Lin]

i THINK it was Abe Lincoln who said..you can be jsut as happy as you make up your mind to be.

I had alot of attitudes to change when I foudn recovery. I had to realise my way was not the only way...others were in charge of their own decisions and choices...i was only responsible for my own words and actions....The idea that alcoholism is a disease....etc. I also had to learn that changing the way I react makes a big difference in my day.

Monday I had a holiday. I used to LOVe those holidays when I got a day off and hubby had to work. Now he's home. 24 and 7. So when I got up i told myself..we are both home. he'll probably not want to do much. Do i want to have a crappy day and watch him sleep? or do I want to get out and do some things and have a productive day? I chose the latter. I ran lots of errands, talked him into a matinee and then finished it of with my f2f meeting.
I had an awesome day! (and I chaired it on changed attitudes..>LOL)

Thanks for the good topic!
LIN

[SunnyGirl]

* * Attitude * *

Great responses, thank you all for sharing!

People around me have attitudes and not always
an attitude of gratitude. I still have to work
very hard at detaching, when a nasty attitude is
aimed at me.

It was from Lin, that I first heard the slogan....

"How important is it"

I use this slogan so often today. It is so comforting
to know I don't have to get involved in chaos and
bad situations, unless I make a conscience effort to
do so. Is my involvement necessary? Is it going to
change my life? Most times, if I will say it out loud,
I will realize that I don't need to get involved. I can
zip my lip and not say a word.

I have set boundaries that allow me enough space
to keep my serenity and happiness. When I allow
other people to affect my attitude, I need to look inside
myself, not them. Maybe an attitude adjustment on
me, or I may need to set another boundary that
works better for me.

Just for today, I will have an attitude of gratitude!

Peace on the journey, ~SG~

[majestyjo]

Great post, as Lildee says, "Attitude is everything." It is how I approach things. It is how I look at things. It is how I express myself. It is how I walk my talk.

As it says in the Big Book, we need a spiritual change, we can't change it on our own.

It isn't just my attitude towards change or my disease, it is about life itself.

As the saying goes, "Check your attitude at the door."  It takes one to know one.

[majestyjo]

Just told my son to change his attitude. He told me it is what it is and more or less told me to deal with it. I am okay with not taking on his stuff, unless it intrudes into my life. He is active in his disease, and I can't expect anything else from him. Why do I expect today to be different than yesterday. Hope! He knows where the doors of recovery are and I hope one day he will choose to find his way there, even though he says he will never go back to any of the fellowships.

[majestyjo]

When I spend to much time worrying about the
 problem, I can't see the solution. Sometimes the
 answer will be sitting right there in front of my face
 but I can't see it for all the other noise in my head.

This looks like part of my solution.  I was worrying about Darts and the timing, even though I had turned my day over and asked for the direction I needed.  I wasn't walking in faith and I think my attitude was not good, because I was waiting for Darts to screw up and the doctor to keep me so long that I missed the van.  Not nice at all, definate need of an attitude adjustment.  I didn't say anything, other than to ask the receptionist when I went in if she thought 1:30 p.m. was a good pick up time.  She said, 'It sounds perfect.' 

[caressa222]

What needs to be changed within me. It takes one to know one.