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I announced that my April blog would be on the power of follow-up, but my heart led me to make this month’s topic The Power of Attitude. Perhaps it’s because so much good happens in April – Easter, Fiesta, and flowers blooming. If you don’t have a positive attitude, you’re going to miss out on so much this month – and far beyond!
I could go on and on about how a positive attitude can change your life. In fact, for me, it SAVED my life – literally! I believe God spared my life because I have more to accomplish on this earth. Of course, I’ve suffered my fair share of failures and hardships, but I choose to look at them as stepping stones to a better future. The alternative is to have the “woe is me” attitude. Where will that get you? Only deeper into your rut.
BUT, rather than me orating about the laurels of a positive attitude, I offer you two treats. The first is the allegorical story that I refer to whenever I need to get an attitude fix. Then I feature a beloved San Antonio woman who is the quintessential example of one who has thrived because of her positive attitude.
Story about attitude: The 92-year-old, well-poised and proud lady, though legally blind, moved to a nursing home today. Her husband of 70 years recently passed away, making the move necessary.
After many hours of waiting patiently in the lobby, she smiled sweetly when told her room was ready. As she maneuvered her walker to the elevator, I provided a detailed visual description of her tiny room. “I love it,” she stated with the enthusiasm of an eight-year-old having just been presented with a new puppy.
“Mrs. Jones, you haven’t seen the room… just wait.”
“That doesn’t matter,” she replied. “Happiness is something you decide on ahead of time. Whether I like my room or not doesn’t depend on how the furniture is arranged… It’s how I arrange my mind. I already decided to love it … It’s a decision I make every morning when I wake up. I have a choice; I can spend the day in bed recounting the difficulty I have with the parts of my body that no longer work, or get out of bed and be thankful for the ones that do. Each day is a gift, and as long as my eyes open, I’ll focus on the new day and all the happy memories I’ve stored away … just for this time in my life.”
Mrs. Jones goes on to say, “Old age is like a bank account. You withdraw from what you’ve put in. So, my advice to you would be to deposit a lot of happiness in the bank account of memories. Thank you for your part in filling my Memory Bank. I am still depositing.”
Remember the five simple rules to be happy:
- Free your heart from hatred.
- Free your mind from worries.
- Live simply.
- Give more.
- Expect less.
Now about a hero in my eyes: Rosemary Kowalski is one of the most positive human beings I have ever had the good fortune of knowing. She is my inspiration! I’ll not go deep into her story, though it is a fascinating one. I will simply summarize in a nutshell. In 1946, Rosemary Kowalski began her San Antonio catering company from humble beginnings on an on/off hotplate. That business has grown to become a nationally recognized full services hospitality company. Originally known as Catering by Rosemary, it is now The RK Group which includes 29 subsidiary companies offering multiple services. Rosemary’s son, Greg, owns and operates The RK Group, but she still has an office there where she goes every day to focus on what she is passionate about – giving back to the community.
Unlike most of us, Rosemary proudly admits her age. This year she turns 90 years young. Though she may not move quite as fast as she did 40 years ago, she is on the go all the time. It’s not at all unusual for Rosemary to have multiple events and meetings to attend in a single day. (Plus, she also works out with a trainer at the gym a few times a week!) Her sole purpose in life is to serve our community in a meaningful way. And she does so humbly and selflessly by giving of her time and money to many worthy voluntary endeavors.
How can a person of almost 90 years of age be so driven as Rosemary is? It is totally due to her incredibly positive attitude about the very essence of life. Nothing is impossible in her mind. This woman never stops! I can attest from experience that she can run circles around me! She has more energy and love for life than most people I know.
What is Rosemary’s motto? “ATTITUDE IS EVERYTHING!” Back in the days when she was running the company, she had a sign in every single room with that motto on it. The RK Group still abides by that value and continues to have signs throughout their various facilities.
Rosemary is a reflection of what a positive attitude can do for people. Her wonderful attitude keeps her young and vibrant in mind and spirit. To know Rosemary Kowalski is a true blessing!
What a wonderful story about a wonderful person. I have known Rosemary since she first started in business and have admired her wonderful attitude all of these many years. Kathleen Kuper
Thanks for your comment, Kathleen! We can all learn great lessons from our dear friend, Rosemary, can’t we? She is one of a kind.
Hi Linda, Doris and I just watched your blog on attitude and you are right on track. I see so much of that around here when people come with a good or bad attitude. Some dwell on having to downsize, having to sell their home of many years…………….etc., etc., etc., We’ve all had to do that. My mother used to say that people are as happy as they make up their mind to be. And I think that’s true. Doris and I are enjoying reading your blogs together. Thanks for including me in the loop. Anne
Anne, thanks for your comment. I knew that you and Mom would relate to this particular blog. I’m so pleased that you are helping Mom to be a part of what I am doing online!! You’re a special friend to the Elliott family.