I believe as long as we’re still breathing, there’s HOPE! I’m the eternal optimist with my glass is full “NOT” half full lifestyle and thought process. Believe me, IT’S A LOT of WORK! But it beats the alternative of becoming a “naysayer or grump” or worse yet, the consistently “NEGATIVE” person no one wants to be around. So, hang in there with me, because you just never know when one of these concepts might be helpful to you as well.
So let’s get started….
I want you to close your eyes for a moment and picture the world as one enormous “mobile” and all the people in the world are ALL dangling from it. What happens when you touch a mobile? Everything moves! Every choice we make, every word we speak, every thought we think, every action we take good, bad or indifferent will and does affect not only ourselves but everyone we come in contact with whether directly or indirectly. It sets in motion a chain of events that take place, some of which we’re never even aware happened as a direct result of something we did, said or thought……hmmmmm that’s SCARY! So that being said, I am convinced that it’s the simple things that change lives. It’s ones attitude towards EVERYTHING that starts the ball rolling.
The world is full of “givers and takers” and all dangling from the same “mobile”. We all like to think of ourselves as the first one, but are we? Taking doesn’t necessarily mean LITERALLY taking something physical from somebody. It could be we “take away” their self esteem, self worth, dignity or value as a human being with the “words” that spew out of our mouths at times like vomit or perhaps it’s the disapproving and condescending “looks” we give them. Either way, once those words and or looks have been released they cannot be retrieved. They are permanent!
Example: Do you ever complain about your neighbor, you know the one that you feel has a ridiculous amount of weeds or “stuff” in their yard? The one whose house in your opinion is an eyesore and needs a paint job? Do you rant and rave about it to anyone that will listen? Does it, at times consume and irritate you on a daily basis due to the fact you wake up and see it every day? Are you obsessed with these thoughts? Are you always talking trash about them? Come on tell the truth at least to yourself! You might think your neighbors are just plain lazy but maybe it’s bigger than that. Perhaps they are physically unable to do it themselves; maybe they work multiple jobs to make ends meet or perhaps their depressed and struggling. On the other hand maybe they just have no idea where to begin because it has gotten so out of hand. Whatever the reason I assure you they probably don’t like looking at it anymore than you do. Considering you don’t actually “live in their skin and walk in their shoes” you probably don’t know the REAL day to day circumstances taking place in their home or their personal lives. So, it would seem to me that it is quite unfair to judge and talk about them behind their back. Instead, why not set an example and be a “GIVER” and create a “POSITIVE” solution. Below are two simple examples on “How To” change your attitude in regards to your neighbor’s yard while making a positive difference in your life as well as theirs.
1. Have a Cleanup/BBQ or Pot Luck party-Invite your friends, family and other neighbors to help. Please be considerate in your approach, make this fun and neighborly. You might even want to consider doing this with ALL the surrounding homes near yours on additional upcoming weekends as to NOT single out the one neighbor in your opinion that needs it the most.
2. 2. If it’s just weeds & lawn care, do it anonymously while they are at work or perhaps hire a landscaping company to perform the miracle you feel they need. REMEMBER: If you choose this route, you “DO NOT” get to take any credit for doing it at all! This is NOT about you! BE Selfless! NO tooting your own horn in any way to anyone!!!!
Clearly these are just “suggestions” but I believe they are a potential win-win for everyone! You will help set an example of “one hand reaching out to another” in your community just like the “good ole days” when there was never a doubt a person knew their neighbor truly cared and had their back. They were there for each other “No matter what”! Some of you will say: bah humbug, is this gal a nut? The answer is NO, I just believe in people and helping them reach their full potential. I’m fully aware the crazy world we live in “today” does not work this way but that too is a “direct result of our own selfish choices”. So bottom line is: If you want something different you have to do something different! Capeesh?
So, I challenge you today to “examine yourself” and be aware of your actions, thoughts and words as you go throughout your day. Did you swear, use the “finger” or yell at the person in the vehicle that cut you off or took your parking place? Did you spread gossip today? Did you belittle that person’s choice of clothing, car or whatever may apply whether to yourself by thinking it or to someone else by speaking it? Did you turn away from the homeless or disabled person today due to your own uncomfortableness instead of offering up a friendly “smile and hello” after all we’re ALL God’s kids! Most folks will not admit it but we are ALL guilty of these verbal and mental insults or actions at some point in our lives, including myself. What do we stand to gain with these less than favorable comments, conversations and aversions? Reality is “NOTHING” and we hurt someone else in the process, including ourselves. Together we really can change our world for the better but we must start with ourselves and our own “attitude adjustment” in order to proceed towards helping others unconditionally (no motive and no strings attached)!
Remember the selfless act of encouraging and offering hope of a brighter tomorrow to another human being is “PRICELESS” my friends!
Consider yourself warned: It “IS” contagious J
May we ALL learn how to find the good in people and make a “Positive Difference” in our own lives as well as in the lives of those whose paths we cross on a daily basis. It’s a choice….So CHOOSE WELL!
Lady D
