Changing Your Attitude

Change Your Attitude.

People surprise you – in positively and negatively. Usually we are surprised because we had expectations that were either unmet or surpassed.

Some people have an easier time saying no than others. When you put yourself out there ask for something and never hear back, it is hard to know whether the person didn’t get your message, is avoiding responding, or forgot to pay attention. Even though it feels as if it is personal, often it isn’t.  And when it is personal, their lack of responsiveness may have more to do with what is on their plate than what is on yours.  What is VERY important to you may not even make their top ten list. That’s just life. Which is why when someone DOES respond with an open and generous heart, it is worth spending time and energy soaking THAT in rather than perseverating about why someone else did not respond in the way you had hoped. Appreciate what does come your way. When doors close, others open…but it is impossible to know that if you are singularly focused on the closed door.

It is ridiculous to make assumptions based on past behavior (yours or someone else’s) because people change. They just may not think it is important to let you know they have changed…and, surprisingly, they may not even KNOW that they changed.

Processing and integrating disappointment healthfully is a very important aspect of maintaining good mental, physical, emotional, and spiritual well being as you age. It is an important factor in finding contentment with what is.

Be reasonable, realistic and hopeful. In the face of loss and change, is can be challenging but nonetheless essential.