How to Change a Bad Attitude

This water stinks!  Oh, this is horrible.  I can't stand the stench!  These were all the thoughts flowing through my mind as water rained down on my head.

For months the water at our lake house smelled bad. We'd called an expert to help and he told us the problem was most likely a corroded anode rod in the hot water heater and once replaced, the smell would go away.

As I stood complaining, I stopped myself and thought about a post my friend, Temwani, from Malawi, Africa made.  She is currently in the US and said, "No walking to get water, a very good place to sleep and good food. The world is so different."

I had no business complaining.  And I immediately gave thanks.

• Even though smelly, I'm grateful for inside plumping and access to water at the turn of a knob.
• I'm grateful for a hot water heater and the money to repair it when it breaks.
• Homemade specialty soaps, shampoo and conditioner that lined the shower ledge, cleaned me and I'm grateful.

I kid you not, the pungent odor dissipated. I'm sure the water still smelled but my focused changed. And later that day when my husband changed the anode road we were back to odor free water.

Over the years of practicing gratitude, I've used it as a tool to change my bad attitude and you can too!

I'll leave you with this picture and words from my friend Temawani.  I've made it the background of my phone, as a constant reminder of all the blessings that flow into my life.  

"So many children got new clothes and food today, but this homeless boy said the new clothes are more than a home."

Blessings,

Stephanie

Inspirational Speaker and Award-Winning Author of

“The Giving Challenge: 40 Days to a More Generous Life”