11.01.2013

Attitude. Life. Perspective.


The longer I live, the more I realize the impact of attitude on life. Attitude, to me, is more important than facts. It is more important than the past, the education, the money, than circumstances, than failure, than successes, than what other people think or say or do. It is more important than appearance, giftedness or skill. It will make or break a company... a church... a home. The remarkable thing is we have a choice everyday regarding the attitude we will embrace for that day. We cannot change our past... we cannot change the fact that people will act in a certain way. We cannot change the inevitable. The only thing we can do is play on the one string we have, and that is our attitude. I am convinced that life is 10% what happens to me and 90% of how I react to it. And so it is with you... we are in charge of our attitudes. -Charles R. Swindoll

This was the opening of my cousin TJ's speech yesterday at my uncle's (his father) funeral service. This was also the quote that defined how my uncle lived his life and how he raised his children. I don't think I will ever look at a quote the same again.

Dear week, you have been rough. ROUGH. The past two days I've been out of town for my uncle Jerry's funeral services and on top of that somehow I managed to lock myself and Rocky out of our house yesterday morning, so needless to say Halloween hasn't been that great this year. However, there is always a silver lining. I got to spend time with family I haven't seen in a while and celebrate my uncle's life with them. I've learned valuable lessons about life and how important having a positive attitude is this week that I really want to take with me in the years to come.

 


Dear Charlotte (my niece that I got to meet for the first time this week because her and her momma, my cousin, live in Boston), you are the most precious baby girl I have ever laid eyes on. You melted my heart. I just loved getting to hold you and meet you, finally!

 have you seen a more gorgeous 14 month old? I haven't.

Dear Billy, thank you for carving some kick butt pumpkins this year. I like our little thing we got goin' on...I gut the pumpkins and you carve. 


Dear Columbus' very first blow out bar, I will be paying you a visit this weekend. I cannot WAIT to get my first blow out with a girlfriend of mine! Much.needed after this week.

Dear readers, I promise to be more upbeat next week. I've got some good things on the horizon. Did you scoop yourself up one of the vests I posted about the other day? Better get on that because the weather looks perfect for them this weekend! ;)

Dear Uncle Jerry, I have never seen more people at a funeral service. You will truly be missed! For hours yesterday, I listened to your friends and family share the most amazing stories about you, and I feel proud to have called you my uncle. Please watch over my Dad, will you? I know he is missing you already. Thank you for being such a good brother and best friend to him. We love you.


Dear trick-or-treaters, I told you to take handfuls of candy because I didn't want to be stuck with pounds of candy just for myself, but you didn't listen. How about coming back for round 2 tonight? Because let's be serious, candy and myself need to be on a break after the past few nights. A serious break.

....can't stop eating twix. tootsie rolls. twix. tootsie rolls. vicious cycle it is, really.

Dear week, you know how I said up above you have been rough? You've also reminded me how short life really is and how well I want to live mine. Thank you, again, for the firm wake up call. 

17 comments

  1. So sorry about your rough week, sweet friend. But you are strong and I know you will pick back up with a positive outlook next week. XOXO

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  2. :( Sorry for your loss and your rough week, friend! And speaking of Halloween... if it makes you feel any better, I didn't get ANY trick-or-treaters so I took it upon myself to be my own trick-or-treater... meaning I ate good handful of mini-sized midnight milky ways... they were mini so really there were barely any calories; right? ;)

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  3. Sorry about your rough week but I love your positive outlook. I hope you enjoy your weekend!

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  4. Maybe it's the fact that I also recently experienced a loss from cancer, but this post brought tears to my eyes. Your uncle's attitude sounds a lot like my Mom's throughout her battle! We're lucky to have had such great role models to show us what life's all about! XO

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  5. Sorry you had a rough week...sending you big hugs.

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  6. That is one adorable 14 month old! So sorry about your loss. Big hugs!

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  7. so sorry for your rough week. this was a beautiful post and reflection of what an awesome man your uncle was. brought tears to my eyes....

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  8. Wonderful post. I am sorry for your loss. Keep the memories close to your heart. xoxo

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  9. such a sweet post. i teared up at your note to your uncle!! after loosing my grandma two months ago and having just placed my other papa in hospice this past week - i have never appreciated life more and cherishing every moment! keep your head up knowing that you have another amazing guardian angel looking after you and your dad!! xo

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  10. Sending you so many hugs and well wishes Katie. I (of course) teared up reading the note to your uncle. You and your family have some pretty special angels watching over yall. Have a wonderful weekend and enjoy the blow out- they're amazing!

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  11. Awe thinking of you and hoping next week is kinder. I bet everyone loved seeing Rocky at the funeral though!

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  12. So sorry about your Uncle Katie, but I love your outlook and that quote is beautiful.

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  13. I'm so sorry to hear about your loss. Take gentle care! I'm sending prayers from sunny Florida for you and your family and I hope that they are able to brighten your day in some special way. Please remember: "That which we have once enjoyed, we never lose. All that we deeply love becomes a part of us!" PS- loving the quote at the beginning of your post! XO

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  14. I'm sorry about your uncle. What an amazing quote.

    Charlotte is seriously adorable!

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  15. Been sending big Texas hugs your way lately sweet friend. That quote is truly just amazing. I agree 100% with it. It is completely and entirely our choice how we act and react to situations, problems, and successes. What a great way for you to remember him and also remember that you are making that choice every day. I am so thankful I found your sweet self in this blog world. Have a great week lady.

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  16. I love that quote! I hope things are going better for you after the weekend. I went out and bought one of the vests you had on your other post from Old Navy this weekend. Thanks for the find!

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