Attitude Adjustment

Wow, so much negativity going on these days. Is our government on the verge of financial collapse, will I (and my loved ones) have proper medical care in the near future, do we still have a say in how our lives are run? Swine flu, property tax increases, gasoline increases, income reduction, layoff woes... I find it harder and harder to have a positive attitude about my life. Recently I came across an article about life being better with a gratitude attitude. David Hochman writes about a self-proclaimed Month of Gratitude. Sounded like a really good idea especially this time of year with the demands of the holidays and families attacking from every angle. This thought brought to mind of a former boss who would stroll through our offices late in the day after most workers had gone home and stop in each office and yell "attitude check." We were the bean counters who never saw the light of day, heard all the grumblings from customers and vendors, and still tried to squeeze 6 cents from a nickel. He just listened and it didn't take long to figure out he knew we needed to grouse a little. It wasn't long before our discussions were more upbeat and we realized complaining didn't solve anything.
So starting last Sunday (11/15) I have been mentally listing the really wonderful things I am grateful for. Not just my family who I love dearly but today at 6:00 am (when I was so rudely awakened) the sun was coming up and casting a golden sheen on the yellow leaves that fell so freely in yesterday's rain. The VIEW FROM MY WINDOW - spectacular!
Starting today I will list - in print - things that turn my :( to a :) :
1. Maureen - thank you for posting the picture of 5th grade classmates with all the names. The memories are priceless.
2. The gorgeous November day with a perfect blue sky and temperature in the 60s.
3. A new car battery so I can keep on truckin'.
Can't wait til tomorrow.