Here I am teaching the kids at Children’s Dental Health Month – with my attitude adjusted!
Have you ever had a job you hated? I’m sure you have. If so, I’m also sure you had to put on a “face” each day in order to survive.
That “face” you have to put on is really a simple term for a great attitude. It’s making the choice to make the very best of a bad situation.
Recently I went to the local grocery store to pick up some hamburger buns. The cashier was so friendly and upbeat that I saw nearly every one of the grim faced customers ahead of me in line perk up and leave with a big smile. It was amazing to see and experience the energy that her positive attitude had on everyone.
Contrast that with another of the cashiers in the same store. Several weeks ago I went through his line and asked him how he was doing.
“Bad,” he replied. “I’m so depressed that I can’t even function.”
Wow,” I said. “Is it REALLY that bad?”
“I’m so miserable here that there is nothing on this planet that can make things better.”
It was kind of disturbing and somewhat frightening. I could have been speaking to that Disney character Eyore. I have no clue what was going on in that man’s head or in his life, but for that day it even depressed me. He’s still there (I saw him yesterday) so hopefully he’s been able to sort out what’s going on.
Here’s my point. Regardless of how you feel about a situation, your attitude is your choice. By making the conscious decision to be positive, you’ll make those around you happier and start feeling better yourself.
Many years ago while serving in the Navy, I was arm-twisted into giving dental health presentations at a local elementary school in Cerritos, CA. for Children’s Dental Health Week. I was irritated, annoyed, and just plain old grumpy having to do this. Interestingly enough though, once I made the conscious choice to be positive in front of the kids, I actually had a great time. The kids fed off my energy and I fed off theirs. Each class laughed, got grossed out at the nasty photos of rotten teeth I showed them, and probably left with a renewed interest in brushing their teeth. I realized that day how much I enjoyed doing presentations and it pushed me into my current career – which I am grateful for each and every day!
So this week, regardless of the circumstance or situation, make an effort to be positive. You can create your atmosphere and environment, positive or negative, so figure out which one you’d rather have!