Today at work a co-worker was talking to me about a question that is on our quarterly review. The question is "How do you think we could achieve a better atmosphere in the workplace?" Don't you just love all the philosophical $%#@?.) Her response was a good one - "Have everyone leave their attitudes at the door each morning when they enter". A couple of observations about that response:
1. It gives the impression that perhaps everyone that comes to work in this place has bad attitudes each morning. Why would you want to leave a good attitude at the door?
2. If everyone that does come to work each day has a bad attitude, why is that? Is it work related? Is it home related? or are the majority of people just miserable. (Maybe no one except me is a morning person. Sometimes around my house i really believe that).
3. Isn't it really more a matter of choosing the "right" attitude in all things you do?
Choosing the right attitude! Seems pretty basic and simple. Lets face it, we all pretty much know that if you are going into a meeting with the corporate officers, a smile is nice, but giggly small-talk certainly doesn't cut it as far as professionalism goes. That's not to say that a graven attitude and only cold stares at everyone there is going to get the job done either. But i think we are, for the most part, able to adjust our basic attitudes to the appropriate level in most situations. When we consider attitudes, however, that affect the world around us, it is the inner most part of our attitude that drives the way our world revolves. It is the choice of our "moods" that really make the difference. It is so easy to be "sucked" into the attitude of those around us - to become like them, to respond in like manner. If you are around people who have a strong, positive, light-hearted, kind, giving, loving attitude how can you help but have a few of those traits yourself. If you are around people who are always tired, ill, angry, or bored - then its almost a guarantee that you will find yourself acting in that same manner.
So here's my solution - and its profound . . . surround yourself with those who have an attitude you love! Yep, that's it! I told you it was simple - NOT! Unfortunately, we are not able to control others attitudes. We can help encourage them one way or another, but we are not in control of them. We can only be in control of ourselves. So the real solution must be to CHOOSE YOUR ATTITUDE, and then guard it with your life. Don't get sucked into the attitudes around you. Don't get sucked into the problems of life. Problems will happen and we have to deal with them, but do just that - deal with them, then move on. One of my favorite things to do when i used to work in restaurants was to find a person in an absolutely foul mood, and then do everything i could to make sure that person left with a smile on their face. Most times i could do it, but on the times i couldn't, I'm betting that they at least felt a bit better when they left than when they came in (thank God for good food - LOL). In doing good for others you do your own heart good.
Let me just say one more thing about doing good for others. Its wonderful and we should take as many opportunities as we can to lift up others. Whether its words or deeds it doesn't matter. Kindness is contagious . . . usually. Many of us "do-gooders" have a real tendency to spend so much of our energy doing for others that we don't "do" for ourselves. That causes stress and stress affects our attitude. Take time for yourself. Do good, kind things for yourself from time to time and learn to say "no". Sometimes you just need to and people will understand. You have "worth" and you are valued as a person. Sometimes you can get so caught up in "doing" for others that you begin to loose your own self worth. That's a dangerous place to be so take a break and spoil yourself from time to time.
My favorite quote on attitudes is from a guy who has about the best attitude i could ever want to emulate - John Maxwell. "Your attitude determines your altitude".
Friday, August 22, 2008
Sunday, August 10, 2008
Testing the Empty Nest
The next few days will be a test of the Empty Nest Syndrome. RandiLyn left for a short vacation to Florida to stay with my brother and i am feeling like my little girl has moved away. I know that is probably a huge exaggeration of what is really taking place, but i had to be brave and let her go to a big airport, go in all by herself, do all the check-in stuff without me standing right there to intervene when needed, get on that big bus that takes on air and glides to a destination in amazing time, then get off in another even bigger airport, find her next take-off spot, wait in the midst of strangers and "strange-folk" for a long time, get on another big air bus, and fly to yet another huge airport, try to find luggage all alone, and race safely to my waiting brother (who is always more than a few minutes late). Well, after much prayer and putting her in the safe arms of the Lord, she has made it safely and is enjoying Fla. way too much for mom's liking! Thank you brother David!
Now i know that when someone comes into town to visit, especially for the first time, you are required to show them a great time and keep them busy every minute . . . however, you must keep in mind that this is my 18 year old baby, and she is just itching for a chance to move onward in life to any potentially fun, exiciting opportunity that may jump in her path. Even my SIL, Heidi, is taking her to a really big church down there that she told RL she will really like. Now, dont get me wrong, i am way happy that Heidi is taking her to church, but now you are touching on those little points that will make Southern Fla. seem so much like home, and so easy to transition into should she decide to re-locate soon. So far the ocean and beach are way cool, the water is so beautiful and blue, the Hard Rock Cafe down there is soooo huge-a and cool, the weather is sooo wonderful (even though its been rainy), and "mom, i wish you could be here with me - its so beautiful that you wont believe it". I know, i know. I lived there - remember? Well, i cant blame David and Heidi for showing her a good time. Thats their job as good Aunt and Uncle, but could you please tell her how wonderful it is in Buffalo with its wonderfully unpredictable snowstorms in October, its torrential rainstorms accompanied by severe thunderstorms in the midst of our dinner party which was planned for the patio (every time we have had one this year or last, including last night - more later about that!), the 2 whole weeks of wonderful summer weather that we get to savor, and all of the mud, slush, and beautiful salt-stained snow which so vividly enhances our viewing pleasure? I just know with that in mind, she will be rushing home to stay any moment . . . yeah, right!
Oh well, so goes for practicing to adjust to the "empty nest"! I guess we better get used to the idea.
As for the dinner party last night, well lets just say that i have pretty much decide there are 2 things in life that im not planning on doing any more, or at least for now (maybe until grandchildren come into the picture). The two things are - no more family get-to-gethers, and no more outdoor parties. We wont get into the family thing here but as for outdoor parties . . . Yesterday i spent from 6:30am until 6:00pm getting my house thoroughly cleaned (Walt worked dilegently outside and even passed up a chance for overtime - what a wonderful husband). I shopped and cooked and set up (not to mention shopping and cooking earlier in the week) so we could entertain 12 of our best friends and 5 of their young children. It was Italian nite and i cooked a huge amount of pasta, meatballs and sauce along with chicken ceasar salad, garlic bread, spinach and regular pizza, stuffed mushrooms, artichoke dip and to top it off, carrot cake. My friend Deb also brought 2 wonderful cakes. We had this wonderful night by the pond, under starlight and candle, ending with a gathering around the firepit for good laughs and conversation. Well, let me tell you - not much laughing going on! At the outset it was wonderful, but then from nowhere this Huge-a bolt of lightening that dropped everyone to their knees flew literally overhead and hit the ground so hard we almost all needed defibrulators. From there little rumbles were going on, then the rain and more bigger rumbles, bright lightening way too close for my comfort (i went in the house . . .chicken!). As i was getting some things ready for dessert in the house i looked out and saw the tent canopy swaying so hard in the wind (mind you, its 10'x20',not small), the sides flying up, and rain so hard that you couldnt see 10 feet in front of you clearly. Lightening everywhere and then the hail comes down. Im on the cell phone to my husband who is in the tent with all of our guests except the very smart children who are in the house with me (asking for candles to be lit because they were sure the power was going to go out - and i was, of course lighting them). Get in heeerrrreeee noooowww!!!! im screaming to him. He is telling me they are trying to get there but its really raining hard! No kidding, im watching it and im watching that tent which is about to blow away so you might as well just go for it! All of a sudden i have 12 people all trying to get in my back door and up the steps at the same time. Of course there are 2 dogs, 1 huge cat, and 5 kids all blocking the way. Now its a comparrison of who is wettest, as they all come into the nicely air-conditioned house and say "shut off the air - we are freezing! (they would have enjoyed all the heat that was bottled up in the kitchen hours ago when i was slaving over preparations with an oven and 4 burners going). . . .
As you may have guessed, the party really dwinded from there! We made a few attempts to go back out, but after the hailstorm decided to let up, the rain just continued to drizzle and it was hopeless. The party that was supposed to last till the wee hours around the firepit was over at 9pm. Thus, no more outdoor parties!
Today i get to spend most of the day cleaning up and i will do it cheerfully and with a glad heart - maybe. In the meantime, i will be missing my beautiful daughter as she becomes more and more impressed with a life in the south. Im sure i will get pic messages and many more texts about its beauty. Hmmmm, maybe we should move down there . . .
Blessings on this beautiful day,
Lin
Now i know that when someone comes into town to visit, especially for the first time, you are required to show them a great time and keep them busy every minute . . . however, you must keep in mind that this is my 18 year old baby, and she is just itching for a chance to move onward in life to any potentially fun, exiciting opportunity that may jump in her path. Even my SIL, Heidi, is taking her to a really big church down there that she told RL she will really like. Now, dont get me wrong, i am way happy that Heidi is taking her to church, but now you are touching on those little points that will make Southern Fla. seem so much like home, and so easy to transition into should she decide to re-locate soon. So far the ocean and beach are way cool, the water is so beautiful and blue, the Hard Rock Cafe down there is soooo huge-a and cool, the weather is sooo wonderful (even though its been rainy), and "mom, i wish you could be here with me - its so beautiful that you wont believe it". I know, i know. I lived there - remember? Well, i cant blame David and Heidi for showing her a good time. Thats their job as good Aunt and Uncle, but could you please tell her how wonderful it is in Buffalo with its wonderfully unpredictable snowstorms in October, its torrential rainstorms accompanied by severe thunderstorms in the midst of our dinner party which was planned for the patio (every time we have had one this year or last, including last night - more later about that!), the 2 whole weeks of wonderful summer weather that we get to savor, and all of the mud, slush, and beautiful salt-stained snow which so vividly enhances our viewing pleasure? I just know with that in mind, she will be rushing home to stay any moment . . . yeah, right!
Oh well, so goes for practicing to adjust to the "empty nest"! I guess we better get used to the idea.
As for the dinner party last night, well lets just say that i have pretty much decide there are 2 things in life that im not planning on doing any more, or at least for now (maybe until grandchildren come into the picture). The two things are - no more family get-to-gethers, and no more outdoor parties. We wont get into the family thing here but as for outdoor parties . . . Yesterday i spent from 6:30am until 6:00pm getting my house thoroughly cleaned (Walt worked dilegently outside and even passed up a chance for overtime - what a wonderful husband). I shopped and cooked and set up (not to mention shopping and cooking earlier in the week) so we could entertain 12 of our best friends and 5 of their young children. It was Italian nite and i cooked a huge amount of pasta, meatballs and sauce along with chicken ceasar salad, garlic bread, spinach and regular pizza, stuffed mushrooms, artichoke dip and to top it off, carrot cake. My friend Deb also brought 2 wonderful cakes. We had this wonderful night by the pond, under starlight and candle, ending with a gathering around the firepit for good laughs and conversation. Well, let me tell you - not much laughing going on! At the outset it was wonderful, but then from nowhere this Huge-a bolt of lightening that dropped everyone to their knees flew literally overhead and hit the ground so hard we almost all needed defibrulators. From there little rumbles were going on, then the rain and more bigger rumbles, bright lightening way too close for my comfort (i went in the house . . .chicken!). As i was getting some things ready for dessert in the house i looked out and saw the tent canopy swaying so hard in the wind (mind you, its 10'x20',not small), the sides flying up, and rain so hard that you couldnt see 10 feet in front of you clearly. Lightening everywhere and then the hail comes down. Im on the cell phone to my husband who is in the tent with all of our guests except the very smart children who are in the house with me (asking for candles to be lit because they were sure the power was going to go out - and i was, of course lighting them). Get in heeerrrreeee noooowww!!!! im screaming to him. He is telling me they are trying to get there but its really raining hard! No kidding, im watching it and im watching that tent which is about to blow away so you might as well just go for it! All of a sudden i have 12 people all trying to get in my back door and up the steps at the same time. Of course there are 2 dogs, 1 huge cat, and 5 kids all blocking the way. Now its a comparrison of who is wettest, as they all come into the nicely air-conditioned house and say "shut off the air - we are freezing! (they would have enjoyed all the heat that was bottled up in the kitchen hours ago when i was slaving over preparations with an oven and 4 burners going). . . .
As you may have guessed, the party really dwinded from there! We made a few attempts to go back out, but after the hailstorm decided to let up, the rain just continued to drizzle and it was hopeless. The party that was supposed to last till the wee hours around the firepit was over at 9pm. Thus, no more outdoor parties!
Today i get to spend most of the day cleaning up and i will do it cheerfully and with a glad heart - maybe. In the meantime, i will be missing my beautiful daughter as she becomes more and more impressed with a life in the south. Im sure i will get pic messages and many more texts about its beauty. Hmmmm, maybe we should move down there . . .
Blessings on this beautiful day,
Lin
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
