So I’ve been thinking a lot about these Ten Habits for Success and mulled things over in my mind a lot yesterday. It was a busy day – full of everyday life. My husband had worked all night so he was sleeping, while I had errands I needed to do, after being gone for a week.
A trip to the library to return overdue books and let the kids have their “story hour” time. A chiropractor appointment the next town over. Lunch at McDonald’s battling the playplace and all it entails. A long trip to the grocery store to renew all the basics that had disappeared at the same time – things like toothpaste, cereal, fruit and greens for stew. With three children. Pregnant. We had SO much fun.
It’s Mostly What You Make It
You know when you get in a rhythm at the grocery store and find yourself crossing paths with another shopper at every aisle? In this case we kept meeting an older lady, obviously a grandmother, but obviously someone who stayed active and fit and chose to have a slight-edge-style attitude about life. This lady was someone I’d love to sit and have coffee with – a joyful spirit.
You have to understand my family. We sing. We laugh. We enjoy life. Even in the grocery store. So here I am with Micah in front of me, and one preschooler clasping the side of the cart on one side, the other clasping their designated spot on the other side. Quite a sight, I’m sure. Singing the A-A-Apple song and tickling the baby.
The first time we past she smiled at us and I smiled back. Then she came around the corner of the next aisle grinning already, as Micah’s laughter was totally audible to her, I’m sure. My kids saw her coming and said hello. She said HI back. Down the third row we came and the kids were ready. Even Micah said HI and I was laughing at their enthusiasm. She said hello again in a cheerful voice and we passed eachother. As we came down the fourth row she stopped.
She looked at me and said – “I don’t think I’ve ever seen a mother with young children have this much fun at the grocery store.” I replied off-hand, “Oh, we manage to have a good time where ever we are.” and she laughed in satisfaction and we parted. Then I stopped to think….it’s usually true. We usually DO have fun where ever it is that we are.
And if we don’t have fun – it usually starts with me. When I allow the inevitable frustrations of life – say, shopping with three children ages 5 and under by myself – to be my focus we are NOT fun. _I_ am not having a good time. And no one else does either.
Insert “Blogging” for “Grocery Store”
You see where I’m going right? Connecting the dots here is not rocket science.
Your attitude is largely what you make it. Period. It really is that easy. You can choose to act happy and joyful in the middle of the grocery store, or you can choose to act like a frazzled, miserable grump. The choice is yours. It is what ever YOU CHOOSE TO MAKE IT.
I hope as you look back through the past two and a half weeks you’ll process these Ten Habits with that mindset. They will only ever be what you choose to make them.
Praying for your continued success – Angela
I think it was Abraham Lincoln who said, “People are just about as happy as they make their minds up to be.”
I try to remember that and it isn’t always easy, LOL. But you and Abe are right!
That was the perfect ending! I have learned so much. Not just about my blogging, but alot about myself as well. Can’t wait to see what 2010 has in store for me. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.
Absolutely true!, Attitude is everything. My mother has always said “how you view a situation is how you will react to it”. Words of wisdom indeed. I shall remember this the next time I begin to get a little frazzled in the grocery store. Great post.
I couldn’t help smiling at the picture of you and the kids going up and down the aisles of the grocery store singing. Almost made me wish I’d been there with you.
This pretty much applies to everything in life. As they say, “When life gives you lemons, make lemonade.” 🙂
This series has been so much help to me. I’ve bookmarked it and will likely come back to it over and over again.
Thanks, Angela.
“Happiness is a choice.” I came across this statement in part of a thread on VIN, a veterinarian-exclusive website, about 5 minutes after I finished reading post and it seemed like such a similar sentiment. It’s a small world (or web?), I guess 🙂