Attitude Counts

Saying early morning would be an understatement. In order to drive to the airport and catch my “oh dark thirty” flight this morning; it required getting up at 2:30 am. Normally I am testing my eyelids for light leaks at that hour.

Yawn, stretch, jump in the shower and proceed. I answered a few last minute emails, packed up the computer, zipped the suitcases and headed for the airport. Even though I live in a suburb of Denver, the normal freeway traffic was non-existent. Driving to Denver International Airport was smooth and uncongested. Other than a few 18 wheelers, very few vehicles travel the freeways in the wee hours of the morning.

DIA frequently resembles a mob scene, but not at 4:30 am. Security was y a breeze, and the staff of Frontier airlines were not only alert and smiling, but extremely congenial. Very impressive customer service. Kudos to Frontier Airlines not only for excellent service but also for the excellent attitudes of the staff.

Attitude makes a tremendous difference in everything we do. Our attitude transmits through our words and actions. Every challenge we encounter flows more smoothly with a great attitude.

My standard line for years has been “Life is an attitude; choose to have a good one.”

If you knew that something wonderful was waiting for you when you returned home tonight, wouldn’t it make all of the little things which happen throughout the day a little easier to handle? The incident has not changed. The length of the day has not changed. The only change resided in your attitude.

Today was a perfect example. Travel can be hectic. I am a morning person but starting at 2:30 am was really early even for me. Add to the early start, driving to the airport, normal airport lines and procedures and all the luggage juggling; depending on my attitude, it could be a challenge or a hassle.

I travel with a laptop. When I first started carrying the laptop on planes, we had to actually turn them on to prove they worked. Remember those days? That is no longer a requirement, but I still have to remove it from its' case. Remove the coat. It was snowy in Colorado this morning. Remove the shoes.

As I was undressing – coat, shoes, jewelry, and belt – I jokingly commented on undressing. The man one lane over perked up his ears, smiled and said; “Now I’m awake. You have my attention.” The security guard at the scanner grinned and said, “And the panty hose, lady.” Of course he was not serious, but we all had a laugh. A few fun words and the day brightened for all of us.

What can you do today to brighten someone’s day? Kind little words mean so much. Tell someone they look nice. Say an extra appreciative “thank you” to someone who held the door for you. Say “good morning” or “have a nice day” and really mean it. Just giving a warm genuine smile to a passerby can brighten a day. There are so many easy little things each and every one of us can do to make life more enjoyable for others. Your attitude about yourself and your life either lightens the day for those around you or throws a dark rain cloud over them.

Remember the old “lil’ Abner” cartoon? Was it Joe Btsfplk who had a black cloud over his head? Eeyore from Winnie The Pooh, Hardy Har Har from Lippy The Lion & Hardy Har Har (Poor, poor hyena...), Pedro from Excel Saga, (NOOOOOOO!!!!!!) and Marvin The Paranoid Android from the Hitchiker's Guide To The Galaxy all poked fun at negative attitudes. Why have a rotten attitude or a grumpy attitude? It is not fun.

Do something good for someone today just for the fun of making someone happy. Spread the joy of a good attitude. Your life and the lives of everyone around you will smile just a little brighter.

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