Attitude

I often say that attitude is not everything. Rather, attitude is the only thing. It is a subtle difference but one that seems to me to be so important. What we bring to every interaction, every conversation, every experience in our lives, is our attitude. And that attitude colors everything and shapes not only the moment but also the relationship, the outcome and the future.

We see this quite often with older adults and their interactions with others.  Some of our elders embrace their age and embrace every day. They are willing, even deep into their 90’s, to try new things, to laugh, to smile and to engage with others.  They not only show their own joy, but they also bring joy to others.

And we see it with families and with staff in their interactions.  A smile and eye contact can make all the difference, regardless of the circumstances. Soft voices and warm words can turn a difficult moment into a positive one.  Patience and a gentle approach can, and do, have a profound impact.

It is difficult, at times, to hold onto a positive attitude when the world around us is filled with stress and anger and conflict.  The world, right now, is in a state of agitation, to say the least.  War, acts of violence and hatred, cruelty and hostility abound.  It is almost impossible to watch the news or read the paper without being confronted with highly disturbing words and pictures, images that can shake us to our core.

Calling for an approach that is built on being calm and gentle, understanding and supportive feels old-fashioned and even frivolous in today’s world.  Yet, for those of us who care for people, whose mission is to enhance and enrich lives, adopting and actualizing positive attitude is critical.

Imagine a world in which people treated one another with respect and kindness.  Visualize a time in which words and not weapons prevailed.  Think about how change comes about, in tiny steps by countless individuals.

Let us all try and remember that what we do and say, how we act and how we react, matters not just to us but in a larger context.  Let us all try and remember that we can and, I would say, we must find ways to change the world.