I promised a newsletter this week, and a newsletter there shall be! I'm probably going about this rather awkwardly, but I am new to this business, so you'll just have to excuse me :).
When I say 'newsletter', I mean a little post about what all I have been learning, things I've recently experienced, what my family and I have been up to, and so forth. I'm convinced the term 'newsletter' is not an appropriate word for such, but I can't seem to think of a better one. I would be so obliged if anyone who happens to think of a better term would comment.
One thing I've recently been learning is how our attitudes radiate our thoughts. Now, you are probably thinking, " I've heard this one before; here goes a little sermon about having a better attitude. Boy, is this typical and boring". You are partially right. This is about emulating a proper attitude. But I hope you will not be bored by the time you finish reading, but rather be encouraged to maintain a right attitude, whatever the occasion might be.
Recently, I had the opportunity of helping a family member. I had undergone a pretty stressful morning. Mom had been sick during the night, and I had woken up slightly ill myself. Children were hungry, a family member was visiting, there wasn't much food in the house, and company was expected later in the day. After finally getting a portion of breakfast into the oven, I proceeded to scramble our last eggs, amidst the continual (but understandable) whining of siblings. They were constantly reminding me they were hungry, and desiring to know when breakfast would be done. I had people coming at me from all directions, and quickly got cranky and ill humored. I started to snap and yell, instead of gaining control of myself before I had reached that point. I was upset at myself for reacting this way, but their behavior seemed to justify my response, or so I told myself.
As the day went on, I continued with an unpleasant attitude. I was irritated for being interrupted when I relaxed, I was irritated that no one else seemed to notice how I was being treated, and I was, frankly, a bit incredulous when asked to help the family member later that day. After all, I had been through such a stressful and unpleasant morning, and no one had been very considerate, so I had a right to be. Wrong. My day wouldn't have been so unpleasant if I had maintained a proper attitude, even when things weren't particularly going smoothly. My attitude was what had made my day so hectic. Unfortunately, by the end of the day, that family member I had the opportunity of helping was irritated towards me for keeping such an ill humor, and seemed as though my grumpiness had rubbed off on them a bit!
Now, I have told you this story hoping to encourage you to learn from my mistakes, and remind myself to do right. Next time you are in a stressful situation, remember to keep a proper attitude. Otherwise, you will make your day, as well as those around you, even more unpleasant then it already is. It certainly will not be easy, but it will be worth it. Not only will you be better prepared to one day to have a home and family of your own (during which times you will encounter all sorts of stressful situations!) , but you will be ensuring that everyone's day will be much better.
In love and friendship,
Abby Sue
