A Cheerful Disposition

A Job Loss Can Be a Good Thing

2008-02-26T23:28:00.004-06:00

Right now we live in uncertain times. Many economists feel that the country may be headed to a major recession. The housing market is at an all-time low, mortgage foreclosures continue to skyrocket, gas prices go up each day, food prices are rising at a ever faster rate, and people continue to lose their jobs.

It's hard to look at a job loss as a good thing considering the uncertain times we are living in. Yet, when it happens, life must go on. Job loss may be due to a firing, a layoff, a reduction in staff, a turndown in business, or they just decide they don't like you anymore (which could apply if you work in a at-will employment state). Needless to say, you still don't have a job! That can be a very scary feeling when you need your job and the money it brings. Yet, I found a statement that brings me great comfort, and I hope it also brings encouragement to other people too. It is:

Anytime you get fired, be grateful, because it means you should not be there.

The statement uses the word fired, but whether you are layed off or fired, it still feels the same. You probably will feel worse, though, if irresponsible actions on your part lead to your job loss. Even then, you may have did some stupid things on the job because your heart was really not in it. So, now that you have been freed from bondage to a job that may have not really been a good fit, you can search for the career that you can be passionate about. Be grateful if you lose your job, it means something better is out there waiting for you. I'm certainly looking for my opportunity!

Being Sick - One of Life's Woes

2008-02-25T14:13:00.002-06:00

After a couple of weeks of fighting the flu, while still trying to do the day-to-day activities of life, I believe the family has fully recovered. It's funny how, something that seems as simple as the flu, can take a real toll on you and your life. It's a burden to not feel well, and it can really put you in a sour disposition, which of course just makes everything worse. So, since everyone is feeling better, and I'm in a more cheerful disposition, I can really agree with this saying:

"Life's too mysterious, don't take it so serious."

I realize now, that I probably got sick because I was feeling a bit overwhelmed and stressed-out. Sometimes it is just easier to talk about what you should do, rather than really doing it. Of course, I am going to have to work harder myself at maintaining a cheerful disposition, even in the mist of chaotic situations that can develop in life, and can wear you down. Because when you are sick, it just makes everything in life seem even worse and harder to deal with!! Keep well everyone, and tell sick people to keep a safe distance from you!!

Looking on the Bright Side

2007-12-20T21:43:00.000-06:00

When you are having what you perceive to be a really bad day, this is a good quote to keep in mind:

A good day is

any day that

I am above

the ground

and the

ground is not

above me!

I recently saw that quote, and don't know who gets credit for it. Yet, it is a good thought to keep in mind when you are grumbling and complaining about how bad your day is going. At least you are alive to have something to complain about, and are not in the ground pushing up daisies!!

Doubting Yourself

2007-11-29T23:38:00.000-06:00

Life does have it's ups and downs. Try as we can, not every venture we undertake will be successful. Although we can certainly learn from our failures, we don't always view them as learning experiences. We can begin to doubt ourselves, and hesitant to try again. So, I really appreciate the beautiful poem from Janet A. Sullivan, that follows.

Don't Ever Doubt Yourself

You have so much to offer, so much to give,

and so much you deserve to receive in return.

Don't ever doubt that.

Know yourself and all of your fine qualities.

Rejoice in all your marvelous strengths of mind and body.

Be glad for the virtues that are yours, and pat yourself on

the back for all your many admirable achievements.

Keep positive.

Concentrate on that which makes you happy,

and build yourself up.

Stay nimble of heart, happy of thought,

healthy of mind, and well in being.

Beginning The Day

2007-11-25T00:21:00.000-06:00

Have you ever gotten out of bed for the day, and later wondered why you didn't just take refuge under the covers. Some days seem to start out rocky, and take a nosedive from there. I find that I seem to have those kind of days when I rush into them without much reflection or thought, and without seeking a little divine assistance. Life is not always easy today, and you need all the help you can get at times, to make it through the day with a cheerful disposition at the end. So, the following saying is a reminder of how you can start your day on a positive note. I don't know who wrote it, but it is a timeless classic.

BEGINNING THE DAY

I got up early one morning and rushed right into the day,

I had so much to accomplish that I didn't have time to pray.

Problems just tumbled about me, and heavier came each task.

"Why doesn't God help me?" I wondered. He answered, "You didn't ask."

I wanted to see joy and beauty, but the day toiled on, gray and bleak;

I wondered why God didn't show me. He said, "But you didn't seek."

I tried to come into God's presence; I tried all my keys at the lock.

God gently and lovingly chided, "My child, you didn't knock."

I woke up early this morning and paused before entering the day;

I had so much to accomplish that I had to take time to pray.

Life Will Be Better Tomorrow

2007-09-10T14:13:00.000-05:00

One of my favorite authors is Dr. Maya Angelou. I have read several books and articles about her, and really appreciate her words of wisdom. She has lead a full and exciting life, but not unlike the rest of us, it has been a life with her share of ups and downs. So, when she talks, she is speaking from life experience. Here are a few of my favorite sayings from Dr. Maya Angelou, that help me to keep a CHEERFUL DISPOSITION:

"I've learned that no matter what happens, or how bad it seems today, life does go on, and it will be better tomorrow."

"I've learned that life sometimes gives you a second chance."

"I've learned that you shouldn't go through life with a catcher's mitt on both hands; you need to be able to throw some things back."

"I've learned that whenever I decide something with an open heart, I usually make the right decision."

"I've learned that I still have a lot to learn."

"I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel."

Her words of wisdom transcend age, gender, or race. There is something that everyone can benefit from. Her words maybe simple and honest, but they are also full of wisdom. No wonder, Ladies Home Journal named Dr. Maya Angelou one of the 30 most powerful women in America, in 2001. Taking her words of wisdom to heart, will help each of us to maintain a CHEERFUL DISPOSITION.

The Power of Change

2007-09-06T14:35:00.000-05:00

There are circumstances in my life that I would like to change. But sometimes it seems like you are struck in a rut, that often has more to do with the mindset than the actual situation. So, like alot of people, I have to continually remind myself that I can change my circumstances, the power is within my hands. That is why I really enjoy this poem by Barbara J. Hall:

The Power of Change

Is in Your Hands

Life is a set of circumstances that you can change, improve,

and make better day by day. It's your decision; it's in your hands.

Just like the potter at the wheel, you are the force that turns

and moves the clay into a thing of beauty. Like the painter's

brush depicting something fresh and new and picturesque,

you can create the scenery that's best for you.

Each person has the power to take control

of every circumstance in life -----

to change, improve, and make it better day by day.

Not one of us can say:

"I must accept whatever comes my way,"

because the way we choose to go through life is our decision.

The power of change is always in your hands.

----Barbara J. Hall

I have the power to change circumstances in my life, and so does everyone else who chooses to.

Have a Great Holiday and Keep a Cheerful Disposition!

2007-09-03T17:41:00.000-05:00

Holidays are a great time to reflect positively on your life, and socialize with family and friends. Take time to enjoy the holiday, and keep a CHEERFUL DISPOSITION!!

Maintaining a Cheerful Disposition on the 2nd Anniversary of Katrina

2007-08-29T21:35:00.000-05:00

The second anniversary of Katrina is a time for reflection. It may have happened in New Orleans, but we all know that nowhere and no one is immune to disaster, it can happen anywhere. With so many bad statistics coming out of the city, I'm sure that long-time residents of New Orleans, can find it challenging to keep a cheerful disposition. Yet, most who have decided to return to the city, are determined and focused to restore their beloved NOLA. Some have taken a real beating, but as they say, they keep on ticking.

Most of us have not had to deal with a severe natural disaster, like a hurricane, coming through and completely ripping apart our homes and lives. But we complain about the little annoyances in life that we feel make our lives difficult to bear. Stop and think! We could have real reason to cry a river! So, the next time life seems to be handing you a lemon, think about people that may be even more unfortunate than you. People, who through no fault of their own, have had their lives turned upside down. We can not just sit on our hands waiting for someone to save us, we must save ourselves. It starts with having a positive take on life, something I like to call a "cheerful disposition."

New People in Your Life

2007-08-19T16:04:00.000-05:00

I don't know who wrote this saying, but it is true that our life does change with time, and that includes the people in our life. It may make us sad as we grow away from people in our life, but that is a part of change. And usually other people come into our life, that better fit the new life we are trying to create for ourselves.

When I think of any of my successes, I am

thankful to GOD from whom all blessings flow, and

to my family and friends that enrich my life.

Over the years my phone book has changed

because I changed for the better. At first you think

you're going to be alone, but after a while new

people show up in your life that make your life so

much sweeter and easier to endure.

Find Friends Who Support Your Dreams

2007-08-15T21:11:00.000-05:00

To maintain a cheerful disposition or positive attitude in life, it is essential to surround yourself with like-minded people. Nothing can drag you down more, than being around a negative person that drains you and takes away your zest for life. That's why I thought the following saying was so appropriate. I don't know who wrote it, but it's so true.

Don't spend major time with minor people.

If there are people in your life that continually

disappoint you, break promises, and stomp on

your dreams, too judgmental, have different values

and don't have your back during difficult times . . .

that is not a friend.

Sometimes when you really evaluate your life, you realize you really need to make some new friends, because the people currently in your life are not supportive of you.

Physical Activity can lead to Greater Happiness

2007-08-13T11:50:00.000-05:00

A cheerful disposition and happiness certainly go together. That's why I have to talk about an article I recently read in the 8/5/07 issue of Parade magazine. The article was written by Michael O'Shea, and was entitled "Why being active makes you happy." It was an excellent, well-written article that really emphasized the connection between mental/emotional health and physical fitness. We often hear how physical exercise releases endorphins, the natural morphine-like compounds that create a serene feeling within us. The article mentions that exercise also effects other body compounds, "including serotonin, which keeps us from getting depressed, and dopamine, which keeps us motivated." There were five ways in which Mr. O'Shea mentions that activity can make us happier:

Reducing Stress and Anxiety The article points out that exercise can break down hormones and other chemicals that build up during periods of intense stress, and researchers even believe that it can help treat nervous tension. So, he says to think of your workout as a mini-vacation, time you are spending taking care of yourself. Something we all need. And exercise gives your mind a chance to rest from your everyday worries and anxieties.

A Better Disposition "Recent studies indicate that exercise can be as effective as antidepressants in treating mild depression." Aerobic exercise for 30 minutes, even every other day, can help moderately depressed people have a better mood in 2-3 weeks time. "Even short periods of exercise, such as a brief walk, can have an immediate positive effect." And if you exercise or walk with a friend, it's even better, since social interaction helps relieve depression.

A Good Night's Rest Exercise helps to get a good night's rest by tiring your body out, so that you are less likely to toss and turn. And exercise reduces stress hormones and anxiety that lead to sleeplessness.

Positive Self-Image When you improve your health and physical appearance, you gain control over your life and body. This can lead to confidence to other other areas of life, and raise your self-esteem, which makes you happier.

Spirituality Exercise can lead to increased spiritual awareness. "A solitary walk can help you feel more at one with nature and gain a sense of peace."

I really enjoyed the article by Michael O'Shea. His article confirms that in order to have a cheerful disposition one must not only think positively, but they must physically move their bodies too. The next time I don't want to workout, I'm going to think about all the positive benefits I will miss out on.

The Perfect Opportunity?

2007-08-06T15:44:00.000-05:00

I was recently reading something and saw the following quote. I'm not really into football, so I am not familiar with this former player, but thought the quote was really right on.

"Opportunities are seldom perfect.
But if you're not ready for them, they may not come again."
---Tiki Barber, Retired NFL Running Back/Broadcaster

Look for the Circumstances

2007-07-28T21:50:00.000-05:00

It's so easy to get stuck in life, to get in a rut that you don't seem to be able to get out of. So, I really appreciate the following quote, it helps me to get off of my rear and stop feeling sorry for myself, when things are not going right.

The people who get on in this world

are the people who get up

and look for the circumstances they want,

and, if they can't find them, make them.

----George Bernard Shaw

The Man Who Thinks He Can

2007-07-25T23:15:00.000-05:00

This is one of my favorite old-time motivational pieces. Everyone goes through times when you feel unsure of yourself or your abilities, and sometimes you feel defeated even before you have begun a venture. So, this is one I like to refer to from time-to-time, to remind myself that I can do whatever I set my mind to do.

THE MAN WHO THINKS HE CAN

If you think you are beaten, you are;

If you think you dare not, you don't.

If you like to win, but think you can't,

It's almost a cinch you won't.

If you think you'll lose, you're lost,

For out in the world we find

Success begins with a fellow's will;

It's all in the "state of mind."

If you think you are outclassed, you are;

You've got to think high to rise.

you've got to be sure of yourself before

You can even win a prize.

Life's battles don't always go

To the stronger or faster man;

But soon or late the man who wins,

Is the man who thinks he can.

----Walter D. Wintle

Introduction - Why Do This Blog?

2007-07-25T19:11:00.000-05:00

In the world we live in today, at times it can be very challenging to maintain an optimistic outlook on life. Yet, scientists have found that optimists have better health and live longer than others. In addition, that optimists cope better with stress, and are less likely to develop depression. So, I am making a real effort to think positively, and try to reflect a more cheerful disposition.

I have found that not only being around positive people, but also reading and listening to inspirational and motivating people ( like: Dale Carnegie, Dr. Norman Vincent Price, Les Brown, Barbara Deangelis, Zig Ziglar, Tony Robbins, Maya Angelou, Stephen Covey, Dr. Wayne W. Dyer, Og Mandino - just to name a few) is a great help in that direction. This blog is my way of encouraging myself and other people, to try to live with a more optimistic outlook.