“The only disability in life is a bad attitude.” – Scott Hamilton

You know, that statement is very true.  I’ve found at age 33 that people are starting to really settle into their attitudes.  I’m the first to admit I’m guilty of this, especially at work.  After a decade I have become hardened and less creative.  I hope that acknowledging the problem is the first step to change.  I trace this attitude to something similar to what Einstein said–“To punish me for my contempt for authority, fate made me an authority myself.”  I agree!  I did not anticipate the track my career would take or the level of responsibility I would come to have.  I’m extremely blessed and I need my attitude to reflect that no matter how frustrated or busy I am.  Sometimes I act like my job is a curse when it is a huge blessing and I’m the luckiest girl I know to get to work in a never-boring atmosphere.  I’ve worked hard for it and I wouldn’t trade it for anything else because whatever “else” might be, I wouldn’t have earned it.  I have blood, sweat, & tears in this job and I can be proud of that.

My attitude outside of work can be snarky at times but I try to be positive.  It’s pretty easy considering I love my life!!  I have the best friends, I’m in an incredibly creative region, there’s a beach here for heaven’s sake, and there is always something to do.  I’ve found the Mississippi Coast fits me well because it’s a nice blend of things to do and yet relaxed and not as hectic as, say, New York.  Sometimes I wish I was in NYC and feeling that electricity, that buzz, that is simply the energy of a city that is moving at the speed of light.  It’s a palpable feeling of anticipation and imagination that runs through the streets of NYC and it sure was amazing to tap into that for a few days.  However, I personally would never even consider having a kid or a dog in NYC.  But I would like to go there a couple times a year for the rest of my life!!  Tony Robbins always says to make a change you need to first change your location.

I think the key to having a great attitude is to be in a spirit of gratitude constantly.  Not to shove my religion down your throat, but I make only one request for myself when I pray and that is “to be an instrument of peace & love.”  I’ve found that’s really all I want from God.  If I can ever succeed at that day in & day out, I’m as close as I can get to God.  And I have a lot of work to do!  Aside from that request, I ask for peace and love for anyone suffering.  I think it to be God’s greatest gifts.  Then, I always end my prayers with a list of things I’m grateful for.  That could go on & on & on.  Throughout the day, especially if I hear of tragedy, I thank God for how very small my suffering has been and–again–send those in need peace and love.  When I pay bills I remind myself to be thankful for the fact that while the money leaves the bank rapidly, it was at least there to begin with!!  I’m thankful to have known love and to have lost it.  I’ve never been happier so no reason not to be grateful for the lessons that got me here.  And I’m really grateful for the fabulous lunch today.  Yes, indeed, life is beautiful.