"Watch your attitude!"
"No! You watch your attitude!!!"
Such exchanges are common between parents and teenagers, or any two people who are having a heated argument. Usually, we instinctively blame the other person, but how often do we reflect and examine our own attitudes?
Attitude can affect how we feel and how others respond to us. A positive attitude can impact our physical health and emotional well-being, make hard things easier and easy things more fun. This is not to say that a positive attitude is a magic potion that will ward off any problems, but an optimistic outlook helps people work through the rough times with a belief in themselves and trust in the ultimate good. Try these suggestions to build and maintain a positive attitude.
1. Associate with positive people.
2. Take some action every day toward accomplishing a goal.
3. Eat fresh, healthy food; exercise your body and your mind.
4. Make a gratitude list.
5. Do something kind for someone or the planet.
6. Notice something beautiful every day.
7. Turn off bad news—radio, television, newspaper.
8. Look for what’s right instead of what’s wrong.
9. Celebrate the ordinary things.
10. For every no, say five yeses.
And one bonus suggestion: Remember to laugh.
The Bible does not use the word "attitude", but it tells us, "Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it." (Proverbs 4:23)
We cannot force others to change, but we can ask our Heavenly Father to change our own hearts. For example, to learn from the apostle Paul who have an attitude of "contentment" in Christ Jesus so that I can rely on the Lord to strengthen me when facing people and situations that make me dissatisfied.
"I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength." (Philippians 4:11-13)
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