Seriously reflect on this article!
Time to look at the importance of attitude once again. Why? Look around - read the headlines - talk to family, friends, co-workers -experience the media - both mainstream and alternative.
What's your attitude? How are you coping? Do you see a correlation between your attitude and your mental and physical health? Do you feel helpless and unable to effect any meaningful change? Is the prospect of impending disaster and lifestyle upheaval generating a overwhelming amount of fear? Do you feel incapacitated? Do you feel that others - the government - the banks - the ignorant masses - the evil ones - the self-serving are controlling your life? What is your responsibility during these most challenging of times? WHAT ARE YOU GOING TO DO ABOUT ALL THIS? WHAT ATTITUDE WILL YOU CHOOSE?
Yes - attitude is a decision - your attitude during a traumatic event or disaster is essential for survival - attitude is everything. So what does this mean, especially during an emergency, disaster, or catastrophic event?
After 40 years of educating, supplying, and encouraging folks for emergency preparedness, I am convinced and truly believe that the most important element in emergency and disaster preparedness is one's attitude. Where is your focus? Who relies upon your courage and commitment? Can you be counted upon to encourage others and take charge?
I am also aware that in our society where personal responsibility and owning one's choices is not the essential value it should be, choosing an appropriate attitude is exceedingly difficult. It is even more difficult during a situation where you are gripped with stress, anxiety, and fear.
One's attitude during trying times sets the context or foundation for all the actions taken - or not taken. Attitude often determines whether your actions and intentions will succeed or fail. Attitude can often be the difference between life or death - hope or despair - calm or chaos - order or confusion - love or hate - selflessness or selfishness. Your attitude is your state of mind - your thoughts, and to be able to control and choose how you are going to think and behave in challenging times requires great discipline and focus. It requires a positive and confident outlook and inlook - a constant awareness of the consequences and results of the attitude you embrace. The benefits of a constructive and encouraging attitude should be self-evident, as are the realities of the struggle in persevering during difficult trials.
To encourage you in understanding the value and the importance of developing the right attitude during overwhelming circumstances, I recommend one of the great and influential books written in the 20th century. I used it in my philosophy classes as required reading, and the response from students was significant. The book is titled Man's Search for Meaning by Viktor E. Frankl. He was a doctor who survived four concentration camps during the Holocaust. While there are many books written on the importance of a positive attitude, Frankl's experiences and the conditions he endured give him an extraordinary perspective. His insights on attitude during the worst of circumstances is invaluable.
You are encouraged to be honest with yourself - answer the questions given - and seriously reflect upon this article!