(Strengthening Our Attitude)

I’ve had this book for years- “STRENGTHENING YOUR GRIP” by CHARLES  SWINDOLL  and it remains my favorite to read. No matter how many times I go through it, it never gets old—it serves as a constant reminder for me. Let me share my  reflection on maintaining a strong attitude.

Every day is a battle; we face challenges and encounter people who sometimes push us to our limits. Taking care of my elderly mother now is a huge transition after being apart for over a decade—so much has changed. But through it all, I’ve learned a lot from being on my own, continuously teaching myself how to improve and adapt to the circumstances I face each day. My days with my mother are now filled with her stories and conversations—some meaningful, others not so much, and at times even gossip and lingering grudges, she has hold onto them for years. I’m reflecting on what shapes these perceptions and attitudes in general, aside from the specific reasons that made her this way.

I first think about the environment we live in, the people around us, and the challenges we face daily. We often attribute who we become to these factors, placing the blame on them. This is often the usual justification—we all fall into it at times, myself included. But as I always say, daily self-reflection can help us learn, grow, and rise daily challenges. Life is like a bed of roses—beautiful, yet full of thorns. There’s always something to admire, but there are also moments that sting. These are the  experiences that shape and mold us, influencing our outlook, perceptions, and the way we think. How can we strengthen our grip on our attitudes and regain self-control whenever we falter? Not everyone has access to inspirational books, and not everyone enjoys reading. Some people may not like talking or listening when wisdom is shared. But one simple and valuable practice that anyone can learn and teach themselves is PRAYER.  Speaking to God as if He is right in front of us—simply asking for guidance in our thoughts, words, patience, and attitude.  The way we say it doesn’t matter—God listens. 

Just slipping this in—while I was writing this, I suddenly heard the sound of glass breaking. Mama just broke a glass from my limited-edition COKE collection—the only one I had left. I really loved this glass <sigh>. Trying to describe how I feel right now… and funny enough, my topic today reminds me—oops, hey hey… well.  I’ve put together some practices to help strengthen our attitude and being aware.

1. Reflect – Understand your thoughts, emotions, and triggers.

2. Be Mindful – Pause before reacting impulsively.

3. Reframe Negativity – Turn setbacks into learning opportunities.

4. Stay Disciplined – Build resilience through daily habits.

5. Choose Positivity – Surround yourself with uplifting influences.

6. Embrace Imperfection – Learn from mistakes instead of dwelling on them.

With effort, we can improve our mindset and emotional control.

~Nodz