Changing our attitude can be one of the hardest things to do.  I know from experience how hard it can be.

Change is always happening and most people enjoy change as long as we can control it.  However, when it comes to something we so desperately want or don’t want we end up clinging to every shred of inertia as our power center of equilibrium.

Traits such as steadfastness, persistence and patience when used in an unbalanced manner to control become stubbornness, inflexibility and intolerance.

In my world certain things arise to clue me in on a particular attitude, thought or belief that is not working for me.  This may come as a feedback loop of irritation, negativity, feeling stuck and/or upset.

When we become aware of our attitude we will make a decision.  Whether we make a conscious decision or more subtly ignore the issue, it's still a decision.  It’s never too late to change our mind or attitude.  It’s important to recognize ways you can make a shifts or changes that work for you.  What has been successful in the past?  

Learning the art of changing my attitude has been a long and arduous journey.  The awareness would come and I would decide to dig the trench with determined heels to further stand my ground.  My badge and shield I proudly held was decorated with the iron will of stubbornness, inflexibility and intolerance.   I would justify my will was for the “principle of the matter”.  Before I knew it, off I’d storm, up the hill waving the flag of my ego once again.  Both softly and loudly the bell of consciousness would ring and invite me to answer and each time I would decide to go deeper into my existing attitude.  Each time the situation would play out the drama of darkness.  Of course when we are sane we see how this creates even more negativity.  Everyone has their own lessons to learn through these situations.  Dealing with pride is the lesson I’m most familiar.

How do we get out of the snare of our thinking?  How can we make a shift to a new beginning?

The following are steps that have been successful for me and my clients in creating opportunities to shift and move forward.  I encourage you to read through this list and find what resonates with you.  Keep it in your hip pocket for that time when the still small voice of consciousness rings the bell of your awareness inviting you to answer and choose a different thought, belief or attitude.

1.)  What do you need physically to make a shift?  Pay attention to your body and see if there is something you are neglecting to provide yourself that could help you make a shift.  More sleep, proper nutrition, more water, quiet time, nature, to write, to talk, take a shower?  Many times these simple things help reset our minds and emotions and are just the ticket for the first step to begin the shift.

2.)  What are you thinking?  We can change our minds!  Craft and create one thought that makes you feel good and refer back to this thought throughout the day.  Watching the thoughts that come into your mind is mindfulness.  Most of the time our thinking causes our particular belief, perspective or attitude.  We can choose our thoughts!  Just by choosing to construct one thought to replace the other not so helpful thoughts is the beginning of changing your mind, perspective and attitude.

3.)  What are you grateful for?  What in your life are you grateful and thankful for?  Focus on these things.  Make a list and count your blessings.  You will see how they continue to grow as soon as you become conscious of just one.

4.)  What are you noticing?  We have the power and ingenuity to see things differently based upon our focus.  If you are in a negative frame of mind consider how things would look if you shifted how you are telling the story or describing the events.  Practice being Pollyanna.  If you can’t see anything positive about your situation put yourself in Pollyanna’s shoes and explain how she would see your world.  Go with it, even if it’s only make belief and pretend.  Perhaps there is someone else in your life other than Pollyanna that inspires you to be positive.  Choose this person and describe your situation based upon how they would see the situation.  It will help to shift your perspective.

6.)  Give to your friends, family and/or community.  The old adage is true, “it is more blessed to give than to receive!”  The best way to forget our own drama and pain is to stop thinking about it and yourself and start thinking of others.  It will break the cycle and allow you to feel better about yourself.  This may be the most helpful and hardest step to do.  Like most things, the hardest step has the biggest rewards!

One of the most satisfying emotions for human beings is a sense of fulfillment.  When we contribute to something beyond ourselves we get a sense of fulfillment.  This is crucial for our development and it also allows us to shift our attitudes, thoughts and beliefs.

You will make the shift to change your attitude when the price of the pain becomes to high.  These steps will help with the ability to make the shift sooner.  Happiness comes to those who are not bound by their own limitations of thoughts, attitudes and beliefs.  I guarantee these different steps will work to allow you the space to change your attitude.  You may want to do all of the above steps to make the shift completely.  

May you be empowered to listen and hear the bell that rings to raise your awareness.  May your conscious choice be for your highest good and the good of all!

Remember it’s a journey that starts with one small step.  What are some things that are helpful for you to make the transition and change your attitude?