Oh, fall; it’s a glorious time of cooler weather, changing leaves, and warm wholesome meals. Most would argue that this is the best season of the year in the Upper Midwest. But every year as we enter fall, we are also entering the cold and flu season. From what we’re hearing from the media, this season will be a bad one. You can’t get too far these days before hearing someone bring up H1N1, the seasonal flu, strep throat, or the hundreds of other communicable viruses.
As contagious as all these illnesses are, I think I have stumbled across something that is way more contagious than any virus; attitude! It’s a common practice of the season to focus on all the ways to stop the spread of sickness. But when exactly do we focus on how to stop the spread of negativity? This is something just as serious as physical illness and deserves just as much attention as the Swine Flu. How often do we wake up in a pretty good mood, coast through our morning routine, and arrive to work only to look a crabby co-worker in the eye? Probably quite often if you’re part of the average population and it sure doesn’t take long for our good day to start on a downward spiral.
We all know the responsibility of stopping the spread of physical illness is everyone’s; by washing hands, covering a cough, and staying home when you’re sick. The same also applies to stop a bad attitude! Keep your demeanor in check, speak only kind words, and be conscious of how you’re affecting others.
Now, as contagious as a bad attitude is, a good attitude is just as infectious! It’s amazing how a kind word or genuine smile can lift someone’s spirits. I experienced this first hand while on my way home from a hurried errand run this week. During the drive home the events of the day were running through my head; sick kids, a doctor’s appointment, pharmacy run, all the stuff that I should have gotten done but didn’t, and all the things I needed to do once I got home. Just then I noticed an old gentleman selling produce on the side of the road and as I drove by he offered a friendly wave. I recognized the man to have been there before. A retired farmer who spends most his days in late summer parked alongside the highway selling his vegetables. It’s still a welcome surprise though when you come across him as he waves at every car that passes on this busy highway. That simple wave was all I needed that day to step outside my crazy day and take the time to just smile.
I say we all need to get a little more contagious this season! Make a point to spread a positive attitude and see how much of difference such a simple act can make.
Becky
Sister of Soul
Soulspiration of the Week:
“The greatest discovery of our generation is that human beings can alter their lives by altering their attitudes of mind. As you think, so shall you be.” ~William James
As contagious as all these illnesses are, I think I have stumbled across something that is way more contagious than any virus; attitude! It’s a common practice of the season to focus on all the ways to stop the spread of sickness. But when exactly do we focus on how to stop the spread of negativity? This is something just as serious as physical illness and deserves just as much attention as the Swine Flu. How often do we wake up in a pretty good mood, coast through our morning routine, and arrive to work only to look a crabby co-worker in the eye? Probably quite often if you’re part of the average population and it sure doesn’t take long for our good day to start on a downward spiral.
We all know the responsibility of stopping the spread of physical illness is everyone’s; by washing hands, covering a cough, and staying home when you’re sick. The same also applies to stop a bad attitude! Keep your demeanor in check, speak only kind words, and be conscious of how you’re affecting others.
Now, as contagious as a bad attitude is, a good attitude is just as infectious! It’s amazing how a kind word or genuine smile can lift someone’s spirits. I experienced this first hand while on my way home from a hurried errand run this week. During the drive home the events of the day were running through my head; sick kids, a doctor’s appointment, pharmacy run, all the stuff that I should have gotten done but didn’t, and all the things I needed to do once I got home. Just then I noticed an old gentleman selling produce on the side of the road and as I drove by he offered a friendly wave. I recognized the man to have been there before. A retired farmer who spends most his days in late summer parked alongside the highway selling his vegetables. It’s still a welcome surprise though when you come across him as he waves at every car that passes on this busy highway. That simple wave was all I needed that day to step outside my crazy day and take the time to just smile.
I say we all need to get a little more contagious this season! Make a point to spread a positive attitude and see how much of difference such a simple act can make.
Becky
Sister of Soul
Soulspiration of the Week:
“The greatest discovery of our generation is that human beings can alter their lives by altering their attitudes of mind. As you think, so shall you be.” ~William James
Such a wonderful reminder to keep our attitude in check. Thank you.
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