“All you need, Stacey, is the right attitude and a time machine.” That was the response I received from my co-worker today after I took a look at the workload I have waiting for me for tomorrow and complained that there is “no way I will ever get all of that done.”
He was right though…attitude really is what makes the difference between a good day and a bad day.
Life is a roller coaster of ups and downs isn’t it? Yesterday I was so full of energy. I felt like I was bouncing off the walls at work. I had a spring in my step and a smile on my face. But then it snowed in the afternoon. When the weather changes my sinuses freak out and I usually get a headache. It ruined my plans to run after work and at the end of the day I felt as if I got absolutely nothing accomplished. I did not sleep well last night because of my headache and I just plain woke up in a bad mood this morning. I was not bouncing today to say the least. I had a frown on my face and it was a struggle to do my job. I persevered and completed my tasks but my attitude was in the garbage can until my co-worker made the remark to me about having the “right attitude and a time machine.” Unfortunately I am not Marty McFly and I do not have a DeLorean time machine! However I do have the power to control my thoughts and turn a negative outlook into a positive one. So I did.
I left work with a purpose and I was determined to run again today, snow or no snow. I arrived home and bundled up in about 10 layers and took off down the street in 35 degree temps. That doesn’t sound like much fun…but once I started, it actually felt great. My stress was alleviated and my head became clear again. Breathing in fresh air is necessary for me. I am NOT a winter person but I decided to make the best of what I have and enjoy it. (Thank you to my friend J who gave me a sweet pair of gloves to run in when it is cold outside!!! They are perfect). I felt a sense of accomplishment after my run…my attitude was “right” again.
Afterwards, I called my best friend from Japan…she is in NYC this week on a business trip so we are catching up in the evenings…which makes me smile!!! I love to hear her voice…and I am grateful to be able to talk to her because it is normally difficult to catch each other being 15 hours apart in time when she is at home. (This is where a time machine would come in handy!) And after my nightly talk with Miss N, I met with my sweet friends B and J who invited me out to dinner. It is always NICE to catch up with them too…they make me laugh and make me feel young which helps me remember what is important. I also got to meet their two fur babies, finally. Lastly, I sat in a coffee shop for a few hours and did some writing. My “masterpiece” is not going to write itself. It is time to chase those dreams and start LIVING MY LIFE.
I had a friend tell me recently that I can do anything I want to do…and that I do not need anyone to motivate me. He is right, I can. I just need to remember to keep a positive attitude! I need to remember that God is on my side! I need to remember to stop sweating the small stuff! I need to remember that everything I ever wanted is within my reach! I need to remember that I have a lot to be grateful for!!! (Thank you Miss S for reminding me today).
It takes work you guys. I do not think I am alone. We all have good attitude days and we all have bad attitude days. Hopefully the good outnumber the bad. But on those bad days just keep moving and I guarantee you things will get better and you will wonder why you were so stressed out. The message in church Sunday was that when you understand and accept what God has done for you through the blood of Christ you will begin to experience true happiness in your life. A good attitude and being grateful for what you do have are the true keys to happiness.
I KNOW that whatever life throws at me I am going to be ok…no matter what. My attitude might stink somedays but God has my back. Everyday is a blessing…it is SO good to be alive!
Stacey ~ iamalive41