My Blog

Attitude

 

Today I’d like to talk a little bit about attitude.  I recently watched the HBO special on John McCain’s life.  I was struck by the amazing positive attitude that he held while enduring horrific conditions and torture in the Hanoi Hilton.  Regardless of your political views, his fortitude and strength through all the adversity is admirable.

No matter who you are, life is not always a bowl of cherries.  We all have lessons to learn, disappointments, tragedy, and hardships throughout our lives.  How we choose to cope with and survive these challenges determine the outcome.  Do you surrender to the adversity, becoming a victim, or do you take the bull by the horns and meet it head on, controlling what you can?    Is your glass half full or half empty? It’s an attitude.  How your mind thinks determines your outcome.

I recently was diagnosed with breast cancer.  I had no risk factors and I was taken completely by surprise.  The first few weeks were a whirlwind of tests, x-rays, and consultations.  What to do?  How was I going to deal with this?  All the emotions flooding my body; I found myself going through the stages of grief.  The thought of dying sooner than I had anticipated was staring me in the face. 

I want quality of life and I am in control of that.  My actions have been and continue to be to educate myself on this beast as much as I can.  I have good doctors that I highly respect, but they are not my keeper.  I listen to what they have to say and recommend, but the ultimate decision on my treatment belongs to me.  That is not surrendering and being a victim of the medical system.  I have to be confident in my decisions and be willing to take the consequences. 

Reflect on your life and circumstances.  Can you make changes that will ultimately bring about a more positive outcome.  So, what is your attitude?