Attitudes are a settled way of thinking or feeling about someone or something, typically one that is reflected in a person’s behavior.
Latitude is about the scope for freedom of action as well as thought.
Put the two of them together and we have a potential for a winning formula in this life.
How?
Our attitudes are rarely questioned by us–we simply assume that they are in place and that’s the end of it, that’s the story.
Not true.
We need to ask our self what is behind the way we look and feel……because indeed we have latitude–all sorts of it–to change our perspective which means shifting our attitudes. We have an inner authority which is in our brain as well as our hearts. Indeed our heart follows where our mind takes us.
Tired of feeling like you are held captive by your own behaviors? Thoughts? Feelings?
Of course you do…at least a percentage of the time!
Good!
Let’s do something productive and use this holiday season as a perfect excuse to begin right now!
Every year we go through the same set of holidays and hope that they are happy and healthy and peace filled. We plan, dream, and then….uh oh, idealize.
Problem? You bet.
Idealizations are not the problem, the way we set ourselves up to invest in the idea that those around us share them and are invested in realizing them is the issue. I can honestly claim myself as a master idealist. However, for each and every one of my dreams to come true, I must nurture them into fruition……taking the time to till the soil, plant the seeds, water them, add Miracle Grow (for sure), and then invite people into the garden to get eager and enthused. Sometimes, I just show up with a full bounty and share…….and no matter which way I go, it works beautifully because people are simply invited into something rich and joyful that they needn’t do anything with but receive.
Here is the problem with the holidays, especially the ones here in December–we talk about it being about giving but in truth, it is about the disappointment of receiving.
We get our feelings hurt when our gifts and gestures and outfits and adornments are not applauded. We get hurt when what we are given is junkie or wrong sized or not our style or simply withheld. Oh my.
Pretend you are in it this year, yes, play this head game…….you simply are eager to pour forth…….for the pure joy of gifting your mind and heart and material goods as though you were doing it anonymously. No thanks needed.
Every day I look into the lens of a camera or into the mirror……..it is about my work and also my personal investment into my own life and private space. I have to be honest, painfully honest, about who I am and what I am doing and what it is that I want. I look into my own eyes asking if I am present in the moment to see into my heart, my mind, my spirit….and if I am aligning in truth of playing games.
When I am off base and playing games that take me away from my core strength, the strength I have indeed built within form the moment of my first breath–just as you have, I don’t look pretty or relaxed or healthy……I looked exhausted and drained. That’s good because I reject that reality and take steps for replenishment.
Right now, here in December, a couple weeks out from Christmas, we are running the risk of depletion. I want this to be a season of replenishment — for us both. Play the game here, make it about selfless giving. Let go of the expectations that haunt you and disappoint you annually……..do nice things for yourself, whatever that means and get on board with your exercising latitude over your attitudes………
Sincerely wishing you only the very best, Happy Holidays…Merry Christmas……..
Deb.
