Your Attitude Makes a Difference

Carol Wilcoxen, family life educator

Raising grandchildren may not have been something that you planned on doing in your later life. How you approach this unexpected life change is the key to whether you experience success or failure. Attitude determines your approach to life. When your attitude is positive and conducive to growth, your mind expands and the progress begins.

What is an attitude?

• It is the "advance man" of our true selves.
• Its roots are inward but its fruit is outward.
• It is our best friend or our worst enemy.
• It is more honest and more consistent than our words.
• It is an outward look based on past experiences.
• It is a thing that draws people to us or repels them.
• It is never content until it is expressed.
• It is the librarian of our past.
• It is the speaker of our present.
• It is the prophet of our future.

You can test your attitude by answering this question: Is the world treating me well?

Your attitude affects everyone around you. Adopting a healthy attitude toward life affects your own environment. Changing your attitude can only come from within. Each person is individually responsible for his or her own attitude.

As you work through the challenges you face each day, your attitude can mean the difference between having a great day or a bad day. If you find yourself overwhelmed and the challenges are getting you down, find someone who can help you change your outlook. Looking at something from a different angle can help you get a new perspective on things.

Challenge yourself to this for a week: Treat each person you meet, without a single exception, as the most important person on earth. You will find they will begin treating you the same way.

In This Issue: Structure and Support Are Key Elements for School Success | Your Attitude Makes a Difference | Recipe Corner | When Your Grandchild Is a Picky Eater