Have I got an Attitude?

~ patwdoyle11

Winston Churchill said, “Attitude is a little thing that makes a big difference”. So what attitude am I trying to foster?

Sue (@Sizzling 60 & Beyond) often talks about an Ageless Attitude. You can’t stop the aging process (OK, there is one way, but not the one you truly want), but you can embrace aging. Healthy aging is about daily movement, eating right, sleeping enough, de-stressing, monitoring your health, and making the most of every day you have. I am a firm believer and implementer of all of that!

Janis (@Retirementally Challenged) often talks about an Attitude of Gratitude and weekly publishes her Grati-Tuesday posts. She inspires me to regularly think about what I am grateful for…and it is a long list!

I am continuing to practice positivity so I live with a Positive Attitude. Research has shown that negative emotions constrain you – they prevent your brain from seeing the possibilities and choices that surround you. Conversely, positive emotions broaden your sense of possibility and awaken happiness. A positive frame of mind increases your motivation to get what you want and be more energetic and healthy.

Beyond gratitude awareness, practicing positivity for me includes doing regular Emotional Awareness Assessments in my morning journal and being more aware of my inner voices – the Compare & Despair, the Inner Critic (you’re not enough), and the societal expectations perception. While I do have my down-days when those voices seem to be most prevalent, I continue to practice having a positive attitude.

Living with these attitudes (ageless, gratitude, and positivity) makes a big difference in my life!

So, do you have an Attitude?

Picture Credit: me!, Serengeti Sunrise

Published by patwdoyle11

Life is a series of transitions and my blog captures my retirement transition journey.

44 thoughts on “Have I got an Attitude?”

  3. I guess we all have an attitude, or more accurately, several attitudes. It’s just which ones we choose to nurture. The attitudes you highlight here–ageless, gratitude, positive–make life more enjoyable and productive. I’m not perfect at any of them by any means, but when I find myself drifting to other more troublesome attitudes, I refocus and steer myself back to these three. Perhaps I would add an attitude of openness and curiosity as well. Thanks for another great post, Pat. #MLSTL

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    1. Thanks for sharing it on social media, MaryLou. I’ve realized I put a weather report into my journal every morning now! And on sunny days, I know I’ll be in a better mood no matter what. I adore sunny days, but sometimes I do appreciate the rainy days…recognizing the nurturing they bring to my garden. But too many rainy days in a row, or the gray days that come where I live in winter… I know they affect my attitude as well. It’s harder to be happy without the sun shine, isn’t it?

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  5. I REALLY like the title of this post… and the thought-provoking question you ask. I’m not sure I can formulate an answer right away (although I do try to foster an attitude of gratitude and positivity). I have a feeling I will be journaling on this topic in the coming days.

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  6. I really try hard to be relentlessly positive. I always told our kids, “attitude is everything!”. Attitude is infectious and can either uplift everyone with whom you make contact or it can darken their day. Do you want to be a supernova or a black hole? I choose to be uplifting. I have my occasional moments when I descend into negativity (I am human after all) but I try to pop right back.

    I am not familiar with the “I am not enough” sentiment. I am more than enough! Ha ha. Sometimes maybe too much! Just ask Jackie.

    I also think consciously every day about those things for which I am grateful. Occasionally, I will sit down and actually write a list of 25 items for which I am grateful. It’s important to recognize one’s good fortune and not take it for granted.

    With regard to aging, as you noted, there is only one way to stop it and that is not desireable. I am not thrilled with some of the side affects, but in general, I just try to take care of myself and understand that growing older is a privilege denied to many and I should joyously celebrate the arrival of another birthday.

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    1. You made me chuckle with your believing you are enough! And you are right, we need to recognize the good fortune we have and celebrate the days we have in this world. Older and wiser, for sure!

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  7. Ugh! How I struggle with ‘compare and despair’ and the idea I’m not enough, Pat. It takes a lot of work to overcome this toxicity, and you are so right about self care being of utmost importance in the quest to maintain a positive attitude. Practicing gratitude is vital, and helps me to keep my perspective. And seeing the humor in life helps, too!

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    1. Molly, I’m not surprised about the “seeing humor” as a component for you…with your gift of helping us all see the humor! Sometimes I tell my hubby that the reason he keeps me around is so he can laugh at the stupid things I do/say… I laugh too, so I guess I do see the humor in life often as well! Thanks for stopping over at my blog.

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  8. Hi Pat, We need to read blogs like this… a lot, especially when everything on the news is so negative. I’m usually a disgustingly positive, low maintenance, happy woman, but this morning I woke up ready to chew nails. I need to take a news brake, tune out anything that doesn’t nourish me and remind myself of the many things for which I’m grateful. Thank you!! Brenda

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    2. Brenda, you are very welcome! I love how sometimes, the very things we need just seem to be there. I tend to avoid the news more than I look at it. A bit head in the sand, but keeps me sane.

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  9. This is such an important post, Pat! I’m so lucky to have married a man who is positive and full of joy (five years married today!). He could have easily been a sour, disillusioned man during the US recession…he was unemployed for three years in the construction industry. He found side work and stayed motivated. We (re) met 9 years ago when he was unemployed for a bit, but I knew he would not stay that way for long. He exudes positivity and helps keep me that way, too!

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  10. Pat, I don’t think I would be me without an attitude. Age has indeed not stopped me from doing most things in life. Surround yourself with people who challenge you to the next step, or you have the same attitude. The “Can Do”approach to life is very much a New Zealand thing. No doubt much to do with us being so far away from the rest of the world apart from Australia and other small islands. #MLSTL

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    1. Suzanne, There is something about surrounding yourself with the “right” people! For me, that is people who are living with attitudes of gratitude, positivity, ageless-ness, fearless-ness, and grace. Whether IRL or on-line, this positive life focused group is so supportive, encouraging and inspirational!

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    1. Yes, we are all works in progress for many of these attitudes. Practicing positivity is a daily thing for me. I practice it. Every day. Doesn’t mean I get it right everyday! But then, the next day I try again.

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  12. I want to have an attitude of grace Pat – not the Fierce 50 attitude or an in your face attitude. I would like to be remembered for kindness and giving the benefit of the doubt and showing grace to myself and others. I’m still working on getting there though!
    #MLSTL 🙂

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    1. Thanks for coming to visit from MLSTL! And your are right that it is not always easy to maintain…. so says the used-to-be cynical, pessimist! My morning journal is helpful for me to work on it daily.

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  14. Hi Pat – I think I live with the attitudes that you and Janet mentioned. From my family and close friends, they also tell me that I have a fearless attitude. When presented with something new or seems risky, I don’t turn it down right away and may even give it a try. #MLSTL

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    1. Natalie, A fearless attitude is another amazing one to possess! Not one I think would be easy for me, however. I am a work in progress in conquering my fears Good for you to be open to possibilities!

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  15. I remember the days when “attitude” was often followed by “problem”. It was only as my children started getting personalities that I really pushed the fact that attitude can also have positive connotation. and Positivity is definitely an attitude we should nurture as we get older. Thank you for this reminder!

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    1. You caught the subtle reference. 🙂 Since I was known as a cynical, pessimistic, negative person for much of my work life (yes, I had an “attitude”), this is all new to me. I do nurture the positivity and “old” friends have noticed I’m different (and commented positively).

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  16. Hi Pat,
    I think my prevailing attitude is one of hopefulness. I always believe that situations can be improved, people can change and grow, the sun will come out tomorrow…. So, in thinking about it, it’s a positive attitude but very much focused on being positive about possibilities, not necessarily about whatever is happening at the moment. Does that make sense? I’m mulling this over, trying to work it out. Thanks for that, Pat (sincerely, not meant at all sarcastically) 🙂

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    1. Karen, I get it. There are days where I think “is this all there is?” and then have to refocus on possibilities to bring hope back in. Or relook at my life today with an attitude of gratefulness. I’m not by nature an optimistic or hopeful person…so trying to work it out is an on-going thing. Maybe practice makes perfect…and I’ll become optimistic by nature someday!

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  17. Hi Pat! Although I consider myself naturally optimistic, I started my GratiTuesday series (thanks so much for the link!) to help me focus on being grateful, especially for things that I might ordinarily take for granted. I think everyone could benefit from practicing positivity and becoming more aware emotionally. Maintaining a positive attitude is easy when things are going well, not so much when we face challenges. And, I agree with Janet, an attitude of acceptance is important too. We may not be able to find gratitude for something, but accepting the reality of the situation and either dealing with it or letting it go is the best way to respond.

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    1. Janis, agree. Acceptance so often gets a bad rep because it can feel like giving up. But I’ve always felt about like you – accept reality and either deal with it or let it go. It’s an area I’ve struggled with…and maybe that’s why it didn’t make my list. And I love your GratiTuesday posts! Always makes me think about my own life and being grateful.

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  19. I try to maintain an attitude of gratitude Pat — but I also think an attitude of acceptance of what is – is important. I think this is slightly different than those you’ve mentioned in that it may not be totally positive, but more of detachment common in the eastern philosophies. Thanks for the thought-provoking post.

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    1. Janet, what a great additional attitude! And it is one my husband has naturally. “It is what it is” … and we deal with it. I’ve never looked at acceptance as a negative giving-in attitude… more of the detachment you call it…or my “deal with what life gives you”. Thanks for the build!

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  20. Hi Pat! I consider myself to be extremely fortunate to have been born an optimist. Positive thinking comes very easily to me, and the more I learn about the benefits, the happier I am that I do so many things that make it a habit. I know that I can’t control the entire world (much as I might want to!) but I can ALWAYS work on my attitude. And so far it has never let me down. ~Kathy

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    1. Kathy, not all of us are as fortunate to be born optimistic! The more I learn about the benefits of positivity, the more I am committed to practicing it! You can “teach an old dog new tricks”. LOL

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  21. Hi Pat! Firstly, thank you so much for mentioning Sizzling Towards 60 & Beyond and my attitude to aging. I believe that positivity in our attitude, no matter what age, helps us to enjoy life and cope with the ‘down’ times, which we all experience. We can mope about and feel sorry for ourselves or we can look at all the good in our lives, appreciate it and start living! Have a beautiful week, my friend. xx

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    1. You’re welcome Sue. You are so right about positivity. It is something I work at, not being a naturally positive person. I have so much in my life to be positive about, to be grateful for… including great inspiring friends all around the world! Have a wonderful week.

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