The Power of Attitude

We have all heard the life is hard. We have all experienced pain, heartache, and discomfort at one point or another in our lives. Most people tell us this will pass. Things will get better. You just have to believe. But, how many of us just let things happen to us? Is life simply a combination of circumstances that we are unable to control or do we make our own opportunities? The world often seems a scary and difficult place to those who are ruled by their circumstances. Life seems too hard, and some days it is just a chore just to get out of bed. But, if we can see the positive things in life and expect good things to come to us, then our circumstances will only be those rather than a change in lifestyle.

There are many things in the world that just cannot be answered. Children starving in under developed countries, lack of money for families around the world to sustain even the necessities, and global disasters that cause the destruction of several communities. These are not one particular person's fault. But, can we change these problems through attitude? Well, it is certainly reasonable to expect that each person in a community can change the world around them for the better if they are willing. So, in a sense, all it takes is the attitude and determination for one community member to help solve these problems, and in a sense, it can spark others to help. But, these problems seem to take a back seat to each individual's problems. Sometimes, we forget that we face problems as a community, town, state, country, and even as a worldwide population. Before we can even think about banding together to solve these problems, we must first solve the problems in our own lives.

Most of us face any given number of problems on a daily basis. Whether it is financially related or relationship related, we all have to deal with them. We all must deal with them or otherwise, we may never get out them. The problem facing the world and many individuals at the moment seems to be money related. The world's economy is in poor condition right now. Most families are having to cut back, and many individuals just do not have the funds to even provide the basics. Jobs are becoming scarce. College graduates are having a tough time just finding a first job, and many are having to live at home, because they unable to afford their own living expenses. Some states in the United States like California, are suffering more so than others with the unemployment rate reaching as high as eleven percent officially, while unofficially, it is probably closer to sixteen percent. So, what does one do, when their own problems and circumstances become directly associated with things seemingly outside of their control?

Most of us know the answer, but for some reason, we do not want to do it. In the midst of the problems we and the world are facing, we have lost what it means to be an individual and the confidence that we should have in ourselves. Many of us have resorted to just surviving rather than living life to the fullest. We choose to accept our circumstances rather than fight them, because we feel powerless at the events surrounding us. When we accept our circumstances, it becomes our lives. No single person can fix the economy over night. It would be foolish to suggest that. However, we should not have to accept these circumstances to the extent that we lose confidence and belief in ourselves and merely end up surviving, rather than living.

There is one thing to keep in mind, however. Money is a relative concept. Theoretically, it has no inherent value until it is exchanged for a good or service. Money can be a good thing, for it pays for food, water, shelter. It helps provide goods and services to children and families who really need them. But, it can also be a very bad thing, for many people become greedy and are simply not satisfied with their current possessions until they have more. We must understand that our money should be carefully spent so that it is not wasted, so that we can live our lives free from the stresses of consumerism. After all, the best things in life are free. When we evaluate our true values, we come to appreciate the things that do not cost as much that much more. For, just like the man or woman who is dying, the sweetest cookie tastes that much better. Thus, we begin to change our attitudes and have a greater sense of vigor and confidence in ourselves.

So, are we powerless to the circumstances in our lives? Can we change the negative energy in our live or are we victim to it? We all have a choice. Every day, we can stay in bed and feel sorry for ourselves, or we can go out into the world confidently, and face the problems of this day. Whichever one we choose, there will be difficulties that spring up. Things will happen that will test our confidence and belief in ourselves. It is whether or not we give into them that determines how we feel about ourselves and the world around us. Life is hard. Life is difficult and there are things in our lives that can bring pain. A positive attitude will help us deal with these things when they come.