Choose Your Attitude

“We who lived in concentration camps can remember the men who walked through the huts comforting others, giving away their last piece of bread. They may have been few in number, but they offer sufficient proof that everything can be taken from a man but one thing: the last of the human freedoms – to choose one’s own attitude in any given set of circumstances.” –  Viktor Frankl
Choosing ones own attitude is so important.
I had a close friend that was laid off the beginning of this month. She made it through the merger; through numerous restructures and now when you think that your job just might finally be secure, she is laid off. 23 yrs for the same bank and now this – but I know in my heart (and hope that she does) that something great is coming her way – a door of opportunity that she never would have had if this had’t happened.
I heard yesterday that another friend is losing their home to a short sale. She is a contractor and during the past 5 years she just couldn’t stay employed consistent enough to keep everything paid. It is sad that she made it this long and is still losing the home. I know that it is hard for her, but I think that she is also glad that the struggle is ending.
I know that there are days that I get irritated with how long something takes to get done. My weight and other goals and even the car driving in front of me don’t seem to be getting accomplished fast enough. Then I think that I need to stop for a minute and appreciate what I have accomplished, that I am making progress, and just pass up that slow poke car in front of me! (why do they drive the speed limit in the fast lane?)
I know that this seems small in comparison to losing your job or your home. But we all have something each day in which our attitude shows up, not just with the big things, but also with the small things. When life is handing you a challenge in the little things, it reflects what will happen when the big things happen. In your circumstances today, how will your attitude show up?