The Rearview Mirror and the Stuff of Life

Recently, a dear friend who has been both a coach and a mentor called me asking if he and his wife could be of any help. He had learned that I was experiencing significant challenges due to my mother's three-week hospital stay because of liver failure. Additionally, husband was experiencing a serious, but not life threatening health issue. When I heard my friend's voice and his offer, it brought me close to tears. We continued talking and he shared that all of his troubles were in his rearview mirror and not on the front hood. I couldn't help, but smile. I quietly responded that eventually these troubles wold also be in my rearview mirror.

Upon continued conversation, I confided that 20 years ago I would have not had this attitude. I probably would have been poor me'ing it as "Why me!" while dealing with these challenges. My conditioning as the older child would not allow me to abdicate my responsibility to my mother however; I would not be a consistent, calm and steady influence to my sister and to our children.

Reflecting later upon our conversation, I must admit I liked the analogy of the rearview mirror. How many times in life do we feel everything is right in our face ? on our front hood and then later see it behind us as we meet the next challenge?

Life is full of stuff hitting our front hood, and how we deal with that stuff - whatever it is ? is a simple matter of choice. By choosing a positive and proactive mental attitude, we have the ability through our unique and exceptional motivation to overcome this "stuff."

Individuals such as Helen Keller and Lance Armstrong have clearly demonstrated such positive attitudes to over the "stuff of life." Some may attribute their achievements as being magical. Yes, it may appear magical, because these individuals have learned how to align their attitudes and realized that the stuff of life will eventually be in their rearview mirror.

So the question is: "How will you deal with your 'stuff in life?"

Leanne Hoagland-Smith, M.S. President of ADVANCED SYSTEMS, is the Process Specialist.With over 25 years of business and education experience, she builds peace and abundance by connecting the 3P's of Passion, Purpose and Performance through process improvement. Her ROI driven process solutions affect sustainable change in 4 key areas: financials, leadership, relationships and growth & innovation with a variety of industries. She aligns the strategies, systems and people to develop loyal internal customers that lead to external customers. As co-author of M.A.G.I.C.A.L. Potential:Living an Amazing Life Beyond Purpose to Achievement due for June 2005 release, Leanne speaks nationally to a variety of audiences. Please call Leanne a call at 219.759.5601 or email leanne@processspecialist.com if you are seeking amazing results.

Copyright 2005(c) Leanne Hoagland-Smith, http://www.processspecialist.com

Permission to publish this article, electronically or in print, as long as the bylines are included, with a live link, & the article is not changed in any way(grammatical corrections accepted).

---

11 Great Ways to be Positive about Change

Look for the positives!Seek them out - those little scary... Read More

Let Go of Resentment

Maureen worked in an office with twenty other people, processing... Read More

Short Cut to Self-Confidence: Say Yes to You!

You are the only one that can give confidence to... Read More

Believe It Or Not

I am often astounded at what and why people believe... Read More

Prescience

"The knowledge of actions or events before they occur; foresight."You... Read More

A Rain Secret To Change Your Mind

Heard of a raindance? It is a ritual used by... Read More

Shifting Your Paradigm

What is a paradigm? In my own words, a paradigm... Read More

Universal Mind

"There is an infinitely worthier subject for philosophers (to study)... Read More

Whats On Your Shift List?

The most happy and successful people on earth have a... Read More

Living with Chronic Illness & Disorders: Are You a Survivor?

Once upon a time, I was a vibrant, youthful teenager...My... Read More

Why You Want What You Cant Have

"You can't always get what you want . . ."... Read More

Taming Your Gremlin

"Who am I fooling?" "I'm a loser," "I'm too old,"... Read More

Discover The 8 Steps To A Mountain Moving Faith

" If you have faith as a grain of musterd... Read More

10 Tips for Practicing Positive Thinking as a Tool for Managing ADD

At first glance, it would seem that positive thinking and... Read More

How To Have An Excellent Personality

The way to define your personality is to refine your... Read More

Down On Your Luck? Heres How You Get Over The Hump!

It's time to put a bad rumor to rest right... Read More

Optimism: The Tremendous Benefits of a Positive Attitude

How many times have you heard someone say, "Hey, cheer... Read More

What Every Employee Should Know About Looking Beyond His Attitude

Our attitude makes seems to control just about everything about... Read More

Aging

Aging is a matter of the mind.The years may creep... Read More

Self-Sabotage - Are We Prisoners of the Past?

Many people who suffer from low self-esteem would give anything... Read More

Knowing the Power of Positive Thinking

In the self-help and wellness industry, a mission has been... Read More

Magic Mirror Exercise

Good morning I love you.This is a basic exercise, which... Read More

The View From Nana and Papas

I'm a working mother with a preschooler, worrying about Mom... Read More

3 Proven Ways To Build Self-Esteem

When someone thinks of a person with self-esteem most people... Read More

Four Powerful Pathways Into The Light And Sound Of Ones

The easiest, most exciting adventure in consciousness follows the lamplit... Read More

The Enchantress Within Each of Us Returns?Making Potholders, One Stitch at a Time!

When I was little I was very busy--as I imagine... Read More

10 Tips to Cope with Negative Emotions at Work

It's a fact of life - if you want to... Read More

From Stress to Adventure

Ten tips to transform your move into a creative life... Read More

Self-esteem: Does It Really Matter?

Some people are full of confidence and able to meet... Read More

Ditch Lack of Confidence and Unlock Full Potential

Being the next Carmen Electra or Paris Hilton might or... Read More

Focus Your Attention

Lately, there has been a collective challenge to avoid being... Read More

Wahms, Dont Compare Yourself With Others!

Wahms, do you constantly compare yourself with others and come... Read More

Positive Mental Attitude

Look at this glass on the table in front of... Read More