“Attitude equals altitude.” – Zig Ziglar
This past weekend I had the privilege of speaking to the Northeast Ohio Adult Burn Survivors Group. I was extremely humbled by the invitation to talk to this extraordinary group of survivors who have certainly faced daunting adversity and found the courage and strength to persevere and flourish.
Much of my talk was focused on the idea of controlling one’s own attitude. While we can’t control what happens to us, we can control how we respond to what happens. For me, that has made all the difference in my ongoing recovery.
I was able to further expand on this concept recently when I was featured in a profile by Charlotte Hunt. Charlotte is an award-winning author, motivational speaker, and counselor who focuses on helping others regain hope and find purpose in the midst of pain. Our paths recently crossed after we had been introduced through a mutual friend.
Charlotte is truly an extraordinary individual with a passion for helping others. In fact, after our conversation, I made it a point to introduce her to, Jeff Bell, the founder of the Adversity 2 Advocacy Alliance, of which I am a member.
Speaking of which, while I was at the Cleveland Indians game last Sunday a 90-second A2A profile feature about my story aired on KCBS radio, which services the San Francisco Bay Area. You can hear the short feature by clicking here.
Below is a short reflection I shared with Charlotte about attitude:
Tomorrow is not guaranteed to any of us.
I’ve learned the hard way how quickly and abruptly life can change.
All of your hopes and dreams and plans for the future can get ripped from your grasp, regardless of how tight you try to squeeze.
We are not in control of what may or may not happen to us.
But we are in control of our attitude and the way we choose to respond to what happens to us.
The power to change one’s mindset, take on a new perspective and focus on positivity is a gift most will never fully appreciate.
I am still learning to appreciate the power my attitude can have over my life.
The ability to influence how I perceive what happens to me cannot be taken from me.
The ability to influence how I perceive what happens to me should not be underestimated.
It can make all the difference in the world.
It has made all the difference in the world.
It’s never as easy to act on a belief or idea as one might want.
But it’s never as difficult, either.
Determining your attitude is a choice that’s left up to us.
You can be in control of your attitude. Or not.
It’s your choice.
Tough times will still find you. No one is immune from the storm.
But the rains don’t last forever. Eventually, everything passes.
Choose the right attitude. Make that last.
Finally, I certainly hope this weather lasts. It’s been absolutely beautiful, and hopefully everyone has been able to also take advantage of it.
Fr. Art and myself after my speech to the Burn Survivors
Taking in a Cleveland Indians game with Lindsey and friends
Enjoying some sun with Walter (Lindsey’s dog)
Thank you for all of your continued prayers, support and friendship.
Stand Strong!
Scott