Attitude is the difference between an ordeal and an adventure.~Bob Bitchin
Our attitude is a powerful force that plays a significant role in the shaping of our perceptions, experiences and overall outlook on life. We can view the situations in our lives as unfavorable ordeals, or as exciting adventures that challenge us to new heights, but one thing's for certain, the end results will be vastly different.
Here's a great example: I love hiking. It rejuvenates me, and generates such a sense of accomplishment when I journey across unfamiliar terrain for miles, or ascend to the top of a mountain where I will rest for awhile, savoring the expansive view. It's always such a grand reward after a vigorous climb.
I remember one day however, when my alarm ripped through my sleep at 5:30 in the morning, that I just didn't feel like going. I dragged my buns out of bed though, because I knew my hiking partner would be waiting for me. But I was in a funky mood. On that particular day, I noticed it was a damn struggle trekking up that mountain. My head wasn't in the task and all I kept focusing on was the physical intensity, watching out for critters, and how much farther I had to go before reaching the top. Ugh! 😮💨 I was so cranky, I didn't even stop when I arrived at the summit. I just turned right around and went back down, eager to get it over with so I could head to the coffee shop. I think I even snapped at my friend a couple times when I wanted to cut the hike short and he pushed me to keep going. I shoulda stayed in bed.
Witnessing how an activity that I normally love could end up feeling like pure drudgery, confirmed to me that our attitude really does make all the difference. An optimistic, upbeat mindset pulls us into the moment, which expands our thinking in a positive way. We see the bright side of things, find solutions quickly and enjoy the journey more. On the other hand, a mopey, dismal mindset entangles us in a vicious downward spiral of agitation, rigidity and despair, which often builds upon itself, becoming ingrained and immensely challenging to move beyond.
Our attitude influences the way we approach every situation in our life, and that approach often determines whether the outcome will be smooth sailing or a struggle. I have found that the most straightforward way to maintain a sunny disposition, is by prioritizing the things most meaningful to us, being fully present and aware while traversing all the diverse paths life takes us down, and recognizing that the super difficult ones are usually just trying to show us something.
A little optimism really does go a long way. It helps shape our life experiences into more gratifying and compelling adventures.