A = Attitude

I have noticed a bit of slight in people's attitudes as I've gotten older.  Some people seem to have an attitude of entitlement, some of despair, some hopeful, some hopeless.  I notice it most often when driving.  This really happened to me once, "I didn't mean to change lanes without signaling and about run you into the curb, dude.  It wasn't intentional.  I hadn't driven that stretch of parking lot, I didn't know that the lane ended, you were in my blind spot, and had I been able to see your face, I would have said I was so sorry.  Leaning over to give me the one finger salute was not necessary. "  I felt so bad.  I didn't mean to cut him off.  I didn't intend to misinterpret the lines.  But, this guy was MAD at me!  He chose to have an attitude, there was nothing I could do.

I've noticed some people present themselves with attitude and I generally react negatively to their approach.

I've noticed when people come to me with a smile, a little sincerity, I'll give just about anything.

I've noticed I am a sponge.  If you come to me with an attitude, chances are, I will leave with it.  Good or bad.  It also takes me some time to sort through it, get rid of it, and move on.

I have learned also, to recognize the negative attitude and either try to head it off or avoid it all together.

I've noticed it's hard to give someone an attitude when they're smiling and nice to you.

I've noticed a sincere apology, or acknowledgement greatly reduces an attitude.

I try, every morning to put my best foot forward and approach my life as a learning experience.  I try to make it my choice what attitude I'm going to wear for the day.  I believe it's easy to do if you are aware of where you are as a person and the changes you need to make in your life.

I believe some people, cannot see that they are in charge of what happens to them in their lives, what paths they choose to follow.  It's easier for them to blame society, their parents, the judicial system, anything but, themselves and they continue to be miserable.  They have chosen this attitude for their lives. 

I firmly believe that life is 10% what happens to me and 90% how I react to it.  If I could only remember I believe it!