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“I am going to keep a positive attitude and use it to influence others.”

A thought by John C. Maxwell from his book Make Today Count: The Secret of Your Success Is Determined by Your Daily Agenda (p. 1). Center Street. Kindle Edition. (Click on the title to go to Amazon.com to buy the book.)

I believe in that.  I strive to do that. 

John says, “Many people in this world mistakenly believe their attitude is set. It has become such a habit for them that they believe it can’t be changed. They see it as one of the ‘cards’ of life they’ve been dealt, such as height or a history of cancer in the family. But that’s not true.”

He goes on, “Your attitude is a choice. If you desire to make your day a masterpiece, then you need to have a great attitude. If it’s not good now, you need to change it. Make the decision. Here’s how: Take Responsibility for Your Attitude.”

He then gives this example.  He says, “After my wife, Margaret, and I had been married for four or five years, we went to a conference for pastors where I had been asked to be one of the speakers. Margaret also agreed to do a breakout session for spouses. Speaking is not a passion for her as it is for me. She does a good job, but she doesn’t really enjoy it that much. I wanted to support her, so I attended her session. During the Q and A time, a woman stood up and asked, ‘Does John make you happy?’

“I have to say, I was really looking forward to hearing Margaret’s answer. I’m an attentive husband, and I love Margaret dearly. What kind of praise would she lavish on me?

“‘Does John make me happy?’ she considered. ‘No, he doesn’t.’’ I looked to see where the closest exit was. ‘The first two or three years we were married,’ she continued, ‘I thought it was John’s job to make me happy. But he didn’t. He wasn’t mean to me or anything. He’s a good husband. But nobody can make another person happy. That was my job.’”

John then said, “As a young newlywed in her early twenties, she figured out something some people never learn. Each of us must take responsibility for our own attitude. If you want today to be a good day, you need to take charge of the way you look at it.”

That is very good advice.  It really is.


So, who is it that makes you happy?

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