Chasing down the Muse: Making an attitude adjustment

“Attitude is a little thing that makes a big difference.”

— Winston Churchill

“I’m well, thank you.”

This response as I walked along the shore could have been off-hand, but for some reason the casual question that prompted it, and the response itself, resonated and stuck.

The smile on my face stayed as I walked on, listening to the sound of the pounding surf and enjoying the cool of the early morning.

I am well, and I am very thankful for this. So, as I walked along on that beautiful Sunday morning, I found myself pondering my good fortune.

My father, who has passed away now, would have had his 101st birthday earlier this month. He had always said he intended to live to 104, and many of us thought he might just do that. Except for some heart problems, he was in good health when he died 10 years ago.

In spite of macular degeneration, my father managed to play golf several times a week with a group of his friends and almost daily walked to the local coffee shop for a cholesterol-laden breakfast.

If asked, I have no doubt his answer would have also been, “I’m well, thank you.”

In this 21st century, good health care, eating habits and in general a healthy lifestyle will allow many of us to surpass even my father’s intentions.

So why do so many of us complain and carry on about the miseries of life? When asked, do we say, “I’m well, thank you,” and really mean it?

What does it take to be “well?” How much of well-being is attached to our mental attitude? Many of the “elderly” folks I know are really very well, with youthful outlooks and lives of joy. Some of the young ones, not so much.

Enjoyment of life, and appreciation of it, is seen as essential to wellness as a whole. Noticing the gift in any given situation can be a big boost toward an attitude of well-being.

Take the oppressive heat of the past couple of weeks. (I know, I know. Yes, please take it!)

After weeks of busy, busy, busy, trying to follow the trendy art of decluttering, the heat became a blessing, and I found myself in a lounge chair beneath a tree reading.

Aaaahhh! What a gift that was.

Do I like the heat any better? Heck no. Still ...

Can one change an attitude? If you have always only seen trash in the pile of debris, can you change to see the possibilities?

I don’t know the answer.

What if we ask, “What if…?” when given the trash in life? Does possibility then appear magically? Maybe. Worth a try.

I am reminded of the wonderful old story of two kids who came down on Christmas morning to find only a large pile of manure near the tree. One stomped and fumed and cried loudly. The other, face lit up with a smile, said only, “With all this ... there must be a pony!”

Attitude.

Be well.

Laguna Beach resident CHERRIL DOTY is an artist, writer and teacher who embraces the mystery and magic of all that is life. You can reach her by email at cherril@cherrildoty.com