Develop A "Simple" Attitude (Advice to my kids)

Getting Ready to move out

Disclaimer- This post is part of trait-series-for-kids which I began to search and write for my kids in 2019. With this series of blog posts containing knowledge-slash-experience, I pray from almighty that kids have simple but a magical life. The contents of the series are the outcome of the rigorous search, several readings and experiences, and self-reflection. Each trait post will end in a mantra to follow.

------

Mio Caro Figlio!!

    As you grow, you will flee the protecting nest of ours and attempt to discover your path into this incredible world…fulfilling what your soul desires. You will constantly hear about "positive attitudes" but the son(s), let me tell you about developing "simple attitudes". 

    Scientifically, 'Attitude' is composed of three factors, which comprise a cognitive component, an affective or emotional component, and a behavioral component. The cognitive component is based on evidence or knowledge, whereas the effective component is based on feelings or emotions. The behavioral component is the action or efforts visible to others.

    In my experience, Attitude is something that is beyond any handy facts. It is crucial than any history or future, or any level of education or wealth, occurrences, disappointments or achievement, or what other people think, say or do. It is more important than impression, proficiency, or mastery. It can make or break a business, a home, a friendship, an organization. But the remarkable thing about attitude is – it gives us a choice every day. An option to alter our outlook, our response to situations. See…No one can change their past. We cannot define the actions of others. We cannot change the unavoidable. But the only thing we can always (and for sure) work on is- Our attitude.

As they say – Life is ten percent what happens and ninety percent how one reacts to it.

    There will be times when you will crash hard …the circumstances will present you the setting least anticipated. But these are the most adventurous times to rise. These are the times that create stories. I know… during such periods many people (including me and your father!!) will ask you to be positive and have hope and determination… but I also understand that at such depressing moments such guidance makes little sense...the world makes no sense. 

For such times, remember your mothers' comments (mom-ments) - "Have patience. Continue your hard work. Have faith. Because these harsh moments are not life but they are just a minuscule portion of life. It is just another day. Even the worst day is just 24 hours long."

    In my dictionary, a Simple attitude means that I am still determined to be cheerful and happy, in whatever situation I may be; for I have also learned from experience that the greater part of our happiness or misery depends upon our dispositions, and not upon our circumstances. Not clearing the medical entrance examination was not the end of my life( which seemed that way during those times) but it gave me an alternative to try something different.

    One tried and tested way for preparing a simple attitude is to think negatively. Yes, it may sound a bit peculiar...Believe me, I'm a hardcore optimist but, when trying to make a decision, I often think of the worst-case scenario. 

Lets' call it 'the eaten by vampires factor' (A phrase I read somewhere). 

So, before making any decision, I think- What's the most terrible thing that could happen? Would I be eaten by vampires? One thing that makes it possible to be an optimist (in my mind and heart...although people may see it differently!!) is if you have a contingency plan for when all hell breaks loose. And in this way…there are a lot of things I don't worry about because I have a plan in place if they do.

    Just keep it simple silly!! 

    People can come and yell. It's okay. Listen to them. Listen!!!. Then self analyze without any prejudices. Take out the best lessons. Discuss with your pack, if any confusion. Understand, learn, grow, and move on. Just do not remain stuck with a tiny incident and waste precious life. Continue your good work.

    Life is too simple to make it complex by adding components of ego, pride, greed, lust, envy, gluttony, wrath, and sloth. Life is not only about achieving …it is about making it worth living.

I am counting on you boys. I trust you guys are going to develop a simple positive attitude and live a great and wonderful life.

With loads of love,

Tua Madre.

------

Trait no. 02- Simple Attitude

Mantra no. 02- Life is simple... my dear boys, so keep it that way.

“The problem is not the problem. The problem is your attitude about the problem” ― Captain Jack Sparrow