Each one of us has a bad day every now and then . . . a day in which everything just seems to go 
wrong. Or perhaps a mediocre day, one in which everything is just blah and there doesn't seem to be much sunshine, joy and laughter. On those challenging days it is easy to fall into a state of 'crabbiness' - a frown replaces your marvelous smile, and a kind word, or deed, is the farthest thing from your mind. On those grey days, perhaps it is more important than ever to truly be conscious of your words and actions, so that you're not hurting others, and yourself, by wallowing in sadness. Rather than focusing on the negative when life becomes a bit of a struggle, why not work doubly hard to be positive - and triple your efforts to be kind to others? A smile of gratitude just might turn your frown right side up!
It's Tuesday - Tip-Day for PreMeditated Acts of Kindness. My 2008 resolution is to 'Show Gratitude' for my blessings by 'Giving Back'. The point behind PreMeditated Acts Of Kindess is to give more conscious thought to my actions, the way that I treat others - and the way that I treat 'myself'. In 2008 I am urging folks to join me and do the same - to work at being kind because it's the right thing to do, without worrying about receiving anything in return, be it kind gesture or word, though my experience is that kindness shown is usually returned in kind.
In late May, I had major surgery for an unexpected medical condition. I work hard to take care of my health. I exercise, eat healthy food, strive for balance, and work to relax (as much as possible). I thank the Lord that I've been blessed with good health throughout my life and, I admit, I didn't know what to expect from my surgery and recovery. Fortunately, things are going very well and and I am speeding toward full recovery. That said, I've had my ups and downs as I've been forced to slow down, sit still, and put a wide array of daily activities 'on hold'. Some days I just haven't felt all that great. "And yes, I have had my crabby, less than positive moments."
When I fall into a state of crabbiness, negativity and self-pity I really feel it. I'm fully aware of my mood and attitude. Sometimes it's really tough to shift mood and attitude - it's not like flipping a light switch. Sometimes improving a bad mood feels like pushing a boulder uphill. But when you are fully conscious and aware that you have fallen into a foul mood, that knowledge can prompt the first step toward a happier, more positive attitude. As you make that 'first step' why not count your blessings? Why not think about all that is going right in your life rather than dwelling on problems large and small. You might not be able to solve those problems immediately, it might take hard work and an abundance of time, but you can change your attitude right now if you so choose.
After you've made a decision to shift to a positive mode of being, and you've counted your blessings - perhaps the next step might be to offer a kind word, a nice gesture, or a bit of help to someone who is less fortunate than you . . . or someone who, like you, is just having a bad day. You just might 'make that person's day' and, in turn, brighten your own day. After all - you shifted a crabby, negative attitude to a positive brighter outlook (one that could help you to tackle your challenges one by one) - and you made someone else smile. What could be better than that?!
Remember: I Resolve To . . . Achieve My New Year Resolutions, One Resolution, One Day At A Time For One Year. It's your choice. Do it today. Turn your resolution into reality in five simple, common sense steps: Dare To Dream, Decide, Define, Develop A Plan, and Do It Daily. Make your resolution a permanent Lifetime Resolution, something that's with you for good! Above all, Be A Resolutionista, someone who makes resolutions, keeps resolutions, and enjoys the journey! Let's Go For It!
Need More Inspiration? Wear Your Resolution! Make Every Day New Year's Day. Make Every Day Count. Visit my resolution shop by clicking this link: http://www.cafepress.com/iresolveto
Kim M. Simpson - June 24, 2008
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