Perspective: Maintaining an uplifting attitude

The longer I live the more I see the value in being optimistic, even in the midst of difficulty. Or perhaps we should say, especially in the midst of difficulty.

When families suffer heartache, when there's stress at work, or when people disappoint us, the best response is to be patient, grateful, gracious, and positive.

Let's face it. There are times when circumstances and situations get very challenging. Sometimes life throws us a curve ball. Sometimes a bean ball.

But regardless of what you face, an uplifting attitude is beneficial to you and inspiring to those around you.

At this point let me be clear that I'm not saying that you can simply smile your way through the deepest heartaches. There are certainly instances where we have to take time to grieve and to heal.

But when setbacks come, it is best if we simply view them as opportunities.

The words of others can provide comfort, understanding, perspective, or guidance.

Radio personality John Tesh elaborated on how, according to researchers, we benefit from being thankful. In his book Intelligence for Your Life, he wrote, "People who are grateful for what they have are more alert, enthusiastic, determined, attentive, and energetic than people who don't count their blessings."

Author and minister Dr. Charles Swindoll wrote, "...we have a choice every day regarding the attitude we will embrace for that day.... I am convinced that life is 10 percent what happens to me and 90 percent how I react to it."

Richard Carlson, who produced a number of books on the theme, Don't Sweat the Small Stuff, wrote, "...commit to being happy now-to make the absolute best of the job or career you have now, to see it as an adventure, to be creative and insightful.... Practice this type of healthy, optimistic thinking on a day-to-day, moment-to-m0oment basis."

President Thomas Jefferson once said, "Nothing on earth can stop the man with the right mental attitude from achieving his goal; nothing on earth can help the man with the wrong mental attitude."

Coach Lou Holtz simply said, "Things have a way of working themselves out if we just remain positive."

And finally, when we look at life and all of its challenges, perhaps we should consider the simple, straightforward wisdom of President Abraham Lincoln.

He once said, "Most people are about as happy as they make up their minds to be."

How happy are you?

David Wilson, EdD, is the associate principal at Jefferson City High School. You may e-mail him at [email protected].