Attitude Is Everything

Life is a shipwreck but we must not forget to sing in the lifeboats. ~Voltaire

I want to introduce the fourth root of optimum wellness: Attitude. Together with diet, exercise and sleep, a healthy attitude will assure you stay healthy and live longer. Attitude encompasses a myriad of issues. You can do all the right things with diet, exercise and sleep, but if you are negative, take things personally or hold on to issues of hurt from your childhood, I guarantee your health will suffer.

Psychological Issues
Attitude is more than just positive thinking. There are some things we cannot think away. I put these into the category of psychological damage. Stuff that we endured in our childhood and likely carried into a marriage or other relationship. These are things that hold us back and keep us from believing what God says about us. They haunt us (oftentimes unconsciously) and cause us to react relationally in an unhealthy way.

Psychological issues are best handled by a trained therapist who can help you deal with the pain and/or anger. Even if your spouse or best friend is an empathetic ear and can help you sort through the yucky stuff. You really don't want to burden them with your stuff on a regular basis. It can add to their full plate of stress and end up escalating into more relationship trouble.

So often time it happens, we all live our life in chains, and we never even know we have the key. ~The Eagles, "Already Gone"

We can believe what others say about us, we can believe what our feelings say about us or we can believe what God says about us. We are God's children. I've seen enough in my life and experiences to realize God knows best.

My friend, Karen Daly Cook, a newly trained therapist, has a blog The Couch. In one post, Karen addresses the baggage we carry around as a big anchor that drags us down. She parcels out words of wisdom to the wounded and healing. Stop by and take a seat on The Couch.

Tips for a Positive Attitude

• Associate with people that build you up, not tear you down or are constantly negative. Keep in mind there is benefit to discussing things that are negative in order to process them and move beyond.
• Remember God is in control. It may not be all rosy and nice, but if you know how it ends, there is hope. Hope is BIG.
• Incorporate laughter in your life. Watch funny movies and videos, hang with people that make you laugh and read books that are humorous.
• Keep an attitude of gratitude. Volunteer your time to the less fortunate. Giving to others helps us forget ourselves and our troubles. It tends to reinforce a thankful feeling within.
• Memorize scripture or positive affirmations that remind you of who you really are. 
• Exercise to get endorphins going to lift your spirits and improve your mood. It's longer lasting and healthier than caffeine. See Exercise! You've Got to Move It, Move It! for more positive exercise benefits.

If you don't like something change it; if you can't change it, change the way you think about it. ~Mary Engelbreit

Just as you are what you eat, you are also what you think. Make sure you check your attitude and clear up all those baggage items so you can be healthy in your mind, heart, soul and body.

What's your favorite scripture or positive affirmation? Scroll down and leave a comment.