Don’t Just Smell the Roses, Buy Them!

I’ve been thinking about  how to be more content lately. Often we have expectations that aren’t met, and then we are discontent, unhappy or even bitter because of it. So, I’ve been considering how to get over this issue. As I told the cashier this morning, “Sometimes, I girl just has to buy herself flowers.”

While grocery shopping, I rounded the corner saw the beautiful display in the floral department of cash & carry flowers. Among all the fall hues were the most interesting pink spray roses. Nearly white near the stem, they graduated to almost magenta at the tips of the petals. Princess Peach was with me of course, and pink is her favorite color. I nearly walked by, but thought about how much I would enjoy seeing them every time I passed by the dining room for days to come. So I bought them, just because. They were so remarkable the cashier and bagger even commented on them. They were a bit surprised, then nodded to affirm my revelation.

Years ago, I would have dropped hints to Mr. T about how lovely they were or what flowers were on sale. I’m not sure why we women do this so often. Maybe it’s part of that fairy tale, princess rescued by a princess thing marketed to my generation by Disney since we were children. Truth is, the only one responsible for our attitude, good or bad, is ourself. I drill this into my children, but then sometimes catch myself reasoning away a bad mood with a tale of how someone mistreated me, how things haven’t gone as planned, or how I’m justified in being cranky because of X, Y or Z.

While my husband was away on business recently I cleaned my house from top to bottom. After spending far too long sulking about how I’m the only one that cleans, I changed my attitude. If I’m the only one who cleans, then I’m going to clean on my timetable, in the manner I want, so that when finished, I’m pleased. Of course, most of the rooms didn’t stay to my satisfaction more than an hour, but I did it. Most importantly, I was happy I did it, and I enjoyed the rewards not only of my hard work, but my improved attitude.

What changes are you making to alter your attitude as we head into the holiday season, filled with opportunities for bad attitudes at family get-togethers, dreary weather and potential gift-disappointment?