WASH THE WINDOWS

I am reading a book right now that I'm sure some of you have read before. It is Home Improvement by Dayle Allen Shockley. It's a really cute, practical every day living book. It compares home cleaning and organizing skills to our actions and daily living. The last chapter I read was Wash The Windows, and it was about keeping a cheerful attitude. I loved the way she ended the chapter, and thought I'd share.

*Hi, my name is __________, and I am a full-fledged, bona fide grumbler.
*I am solely responsible for my irritating behavior. Not my spouse. Not my children. Not my mother. Not my father. Not my circumstances.
*I have chosen to allow other people's behavior and life's annoying situations to dictate my mood and my reactions.
*I have chosen to speak the words I speak and the tone of voice in which I speak them.
*Therefore, I can choose to stop allowing other people's behavior and life's annoying situations to dictate my mood and my reactions.
*I can choose to speak with a gentle and cheerful voice, even if I think it might kill me.
*I can choose to speak positive and uplifting words to my family, friends, and strangers.
*I can do all things through Christ.
*I will start today.

She also goes on to say, "Life is not the way it's supposed to be, it's the way it is. The way you cope with it is what makes the difference."