On the Porch with Pat

Attitude Adjustment

I had a delightful time at the Ladies' Retreat. I am spiritually uplifted and my mind is refreshed and in a relaxed and positive mood. I think it did me a world of good, which shows how important it is to take a day or two now an d then to revitalize yourself, physically, spiritually, and mentally. I'm a better person for attending the retreat.

The topic of all the lessons was the importance of giving of ourselves and our talents. It helped me re-frame my thoughts and attitude about my husband's disability. I had really felt disappointed and really a bit angry that I no longer have the husband I had 18 months ago. I'm now left with making all the decisions, doing all the driving, all the housework, all the discipline and managing of our sixteen-year-old. I'm even in charge of my husband's health. I have to be sure he takes his medicine, remind him daily to take a bath (and put on clean clothes), and push him to take daily walks. This is all in addition to working a full-time job, which includes an hour commute (round trip). 

I haven't been as gracious about that as I wish I had been, but I think things are going to change now. I'm looking at my husband as a person with a disability, not as my husband who no longer helps me with things. That may not make sense, but it's the only way I can explain it. Instead of thinking about what I've lost, I'm thinking about what he has lost. I love my husband and want to be faithful (loyal) to him until death parts us. In order to keep my vow, I need to change my attitude and, out of love, treat him as the one who has given up so much of his life.

I hope my actions will mirror that change perspective. It's difficult with Rheumatoid Arthritis, but right now I have my daughter and her husband here to help me.

I'm sorry I missed writing in my journal yesterday, but the retreat was so worth it. After I got home, I had a million errands to run, and I simply couldn't sit down and write about how much I enjoyed the retreat.

To leave you with a little something to think about, I'm asking each of you to think about your own attitudes. Is there something in your life that needs an attitude adjustment--some resentment, some grudge, some past hurt, some present aggravation? You can't change other people. You can only change yourself and your attitude. I hope to share with you my progress with this commitment.

Make punctuation work for YOU.
"Punctuation Inc. " 
at "Invalid Item" 




"Worrying doesn't take away tomorrow's TROUBLES; it takes away today's PEACE~"

Come sit with me on the porch.
We'll have a glass of lemonade and talk.
"On the Porch with Pat" 

Make punctuation work for YOU.
"Punctuation Inc. " 
at "Invalid Item" 




"Worrying doesn't take away tomorrow's TROUBLES; it takes away today's PEACE~"

Come sit with me on the porch.
We'll have a glass of lemonade and talk.
"On the Porch with Pat"