Faithfully yours - Life changing attitudes: Part One

Details

Published on Monday, September 24, 2018

By Neil Strohschein

Neepawa Banner & Press

In his book “Life is Tremendous,” the late Charles “Tremendous” Jones urges his readers to build two habits into their lives. “The first,” he writes, “is to ‘Say something positive to everyone you meet.’ The second is to ‘Read something positive into every situation you encounter.’”

Now I won’t, for one minute, suggest that doing this will be easy. I know, from a life-time of personal experience that it isn’t—and the older I get, the harder doing the above becomes. So why would I write about the importance of having a positive outlook on life? Because I am tired of living in a world where some people excel in the ability to complain to everyone they meet about everything they see at every chance they get.

Now I will admit that the previous statement is extreme; but I have used it deliberately to make a point. Over the years I have noticed that the more people have, the more they want. The more they want, the less they can afford. The less they can afford, the more they complain. The more they complain, the more they fill their world with negativity.

So I suppose we shouldn’t be surprised when we see this same attitude displayed by those who hold the highest offices of leadership in our country. In fact, our political system thrives on people who complain. When was the last time you heard of an Opposition MP or MLA who commended the current government for doing something right? We’ve had a flood or two in Manitoba since then. Or have you ever heard a Government Cabinet Minister commend an Opposition MLA for having a good idea or making a valid point in Question Period? I have—once—many years ago—in Alberta.

You and I can’t change what others do, but we can refuse to be part of the GMC (Grumble, Murmur and Complain) Society. We can, beginning today, make two significant changes to the way we view the people and conditions around us.

First, look for the positive things in life—the blessings you have received; the food, clothing and shelter you enjoy; the rights and freedoms that are yours because you live in this country—privileges that others in our world know little or nothing about.

Most of all, look for and be thankful for the people in your life who, by their words of encouragement and acts of kindness make coping with serious challenges much easier. Fill your mind with thoughts of these gifts and these people. It will radically change how you respond when people ask you “how you’re doing” today.

Second, do your best to convey a positive outlook on life. You don’t have to lie in order to do this. If you’re having a rough day, admit it. People will understand. We’ve all had our share of them. But don’t dwell on it. State it and move on. Be thankful for those who cared enough to ask how you were doing and for their words of encouragement or acts of kindness that just made your day a little better.

Finally, remember that you are not alone. You are part of God’s world and God is always with you wherever you go. He is fully aware of every need you have and every challenge you are facing or will face today. And he is ready to help. So be hopeful, live by faith, keep smiling and stay positive—your attitude will make a powerful impact on those around you.