For the most part, I'm not very opinionated. I think this is part of what makes me such a laid back, easy going type of person... Except when it comes to food, but that's another story.
I can literally find something to love about practically anything, which makes life pretty easy going and enjoyable. I think about this as I exclaim, "Walking through wet grass in my brand new leather flip flops isn't so bad because it is cleaning off the gum I just stepped in!"
Most people would probably be pissed about either of these things, but for some reason, that was my first thought.
It's kind of funny how it has almost become a sort of game that I play with myself every day and any time something not so fun happens. I try to look at the bright side like Pollyanna, or think of why God may be using the situation, working it out for good. I have been learned to appreciate things more when I look at it this way too.
"Darn, I burnt dinner..... I guess this means we get to go on a date!"
"We have just lost power!..... Awesome, we get to use candles and make it look super cool in here!"
"My car broke down on the side of the road..... Thank you God. I needed a 30 min quiet break from life while I wait for AAA."
"They messed up my fast food order!.... Well, this is another opportunity to try mustard to see if my taste buds have changed"
"I just spilled juice all over my desk..... Perfect excuse to clean the whole thing. I've been wanting to do this anyways"
"The stove was left on and now my apt smells like gas...... Yay! I get to go on a walk instead of doing dishes while the room airs out."
"I only have a little bit of money left for groceries..... I get to clip coupons like I used to do all the time with my mom when I was little. What fun memories"
"My favorite purse just broke.... I get to go shopping for a new one!"
"The store closed early.... This gives me something to be excited about for tomorrow and I'm free to do whatever else I want tonight."
"They need me to do something I've never thought or wanted to do before.... Sweet! Free education! I get to learn something new."
"The home loan didn't come through, again.... When it finally does, I am going to appreciate it even more than I would have if it came easy."
"I can't have a dog yet... And I don't have to clean up the poop yet either"
"The car broke again, and this time took our whole months savings.... At least the car is paid off and we have another to drive, plus, it's only one month instead of more."
"I really wish I could paint our apt and make it more homey.... But this gives me more time to think about how I really want to decorate and I can be creative and hang a quilt on the wall for now."
"I scratched my Hillsong United Cd!... I guess I get to send more money to support an awesome band when I buy another one."
"What?! Rain in the middle of summer?!.... I've been missing wearing this sweater"
"Oh my gosh this kid is bugging the heck out of me.... Jenn, you get to get way better at patience today. And it's Mom training. It'll make you a better mom when you get there."
"Word got out about our small party with friends and 7 more people invited themselves over. We need a lot more food than we budgeted for... The more the merrier! Plus, 7 more people to extend God's love and hospitality to."
It's kind of fun, and the mood seems to suddenly shift to something sweet and wonderful instead of something frustrating and gloomy like it could have been.
"Situations can seem a lot better if you only change your perspective." It is a quote I have been telling myself for years. Its been on my fridge, my mirror, the background on my phone... and it's so true.
I guess I might have gotten part of this attitude control from my dad who has always said to me "Our lives are not determined by what happens to us, but by how we react to what happens. Not by what life brings to us, but by the attitude we bring to life"
or in other words "You cannot control what happens to you, but you can control how you react to it." It has been driven into me and it is something that he lives by himself. He even signs off his emails with this quote.
This statement has been a huge part of defining who I am and how I act. I roll with the punches, I take life one day at a time, I react the way I want to, not how people tell me I should.
Something bad happens and they say I should be angry... what? why? There is something good going to come of this. There always is. Even if I can't see it. Don't you realize? I have 100% control over the attitude of this situation. That's a lot of control.
It's not being overly optimistic to say that I can be joyful even when stuff sucks. It's not unrealistic either. Contentedness, and thankfulness are a choice, and out of these things blossom joyfulness.
It doesn't come naturally, which is why this whole concept is difficult to understand.
But the things that are worth it don't always come easy do they?
Tomorrow, our small business could fail, and then we could be broke, and then our car could totally break down, and then we could have to move to a smaller apartment, and we may have to get rid of our cats, and I may have to sell my bike... but you know what that would mean? A brand new adventure. We'd get to start a new kind of life. Try on another pair of shoes for a while. It could be an exciting vacation from the norm, and it will make us stronger as a couple. I could work at a coffee shop or clothing store which would be fun! And we could eat more pb&j and be excited about how much fun it is being able to eat it picnic style on the living room floor because we don't have a table anymore. Who says those
things are what make us happy anyways?
See. Perspective. Attitude. 100% up to you how you react and it can make your whole world seem 100 times better.
This is my thought of today. A little more into the mind of Jennifer Elise Parisi.
