It is so hard to stay positive when the world you live in has so many things to be stressed out about. Some of us knowing the moment we wake up what the day will look like. Most days I wake up wondering what sort of truck came through my bedroom and over the top of my body. I roll over, ease up, and know the minute I touch the floor what works, and what doesn't. Some days are better than others, thank goodness, and so then I move about accordingly. But, this is not supposed to be about my daily struggles, for we all have them........this is about how you choose to start your day and what sort of attitude you will carry throughout your day.
First of all, do you realize that you can have a huge impact on how someone elses day is going, and that their outlook on life could depend on your attitude and behavior? I realize that sounds like an enormous responsibility for anyone to face each day, but if it's the only thing that you are able to accomplish that day......why in the world wouldn't you try? People are beaten down by life and its pressures, whether it's an illness, death of a loved one, losing their job, struggling to make ends meet.....or just being lonely. We don't even have to know what a person has been through in order to know that how we choose to walk around could change their ability to cope on any given day.
I have become more conscious lately of those around me, whether it's the neighbor next door or the lady at the checkout counter at the store, and what they might be experiencing that day.....especially if they are not smiling or have a look of pain in their expression. My antenna reaches higher without me even knowing it, thinking about whether or not they are happy, sad, hungry, abused, lost, lonely, or sick. Wondering if they had heard one positive thing come out of anyones mouth that day, and then having the need to smile and make contact with them in some way. When I do this, it changes who that person is, for they realize that someone out in the world took the time to notice them for whatever reason.....and in turn it changes me....for my focus is not on my pain and suffering but on someone elses.
It doesn't necessarily mean that I can fix their own personal situation, but at least feeling some satisfaction inside knowing, if for only a moment, I made a difference. If they felt hopeless, worthless or pondering whether their presence on this earth meant anything to anyone......I had the power to just smile, say something positive, and walk away most often never seeing that person again. For if I am too focused on my own stuff, and allowing my life to beat me down in some way, destined to see only the negative side......then I can't make a difference.
It really doesn't take that much effort on you part to just pay attention to those around you. Sure you have plenty to think about concerning your own life struggles, but it doesn't have to completely steal your peace of mind and ability to truly realize, there are people hurting out there too.....doesn't matter if you know them or not. This is not a desire to be perfect, or not recognize that you have your own limitations in life. Honestly this is more about letting go of the need to be miserable in your own situation, and using what little energy or strength you do have to lift someone else up.
So the next time you are having a bad day, and think you have nothing to offer those around you, no matter who they are.....or just simply consumed with how things are just not right or fair in your own life.......peek outside your door. I guarantee there is someone who's day or even life could be changed by something positive and uplifting coming out of your own mouth.
Remember to always build up......not tear down, and begin to notice that even if you don't need to be noticed.....there are a million people who do.
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