An Orange or a Grapefruit

There has been a lot of information lately on dealing with stress and difficult times. A real simple question related to our attitudes is, "Are you a orange or a grapefruit when you come under pressure?" Are you sweet when you are stressed or are you sour?

It is very easy to let our emotions run away with us. For most people, it takes a constant and/or consistent reminder to stay positive and happy. So, what will it be for you? What will remind you to stay positive? Try hanging a picture and/or quote somewhere that you see regularly that acts as a reminder. Place it on the bathroom mirror, on the wall in your office or on the dashboard of your car.

Consider another strategy related to leaving your stress and frustrations from your work in the office. Before you walk into your home, ceremonially place your worries and frustrations somewhere outside or in your garage before you enter. Hang them up. Bury them. Leave them in the car. Don't worry, they will be there in the morning when you leave for work. But, leave them behind and forget about them so that your family and friends don't have to deal with them as well. Put a smile on your face and then walk in the door.

So why is this important? Why should you be sweet and not sour? The world needs you to be inspiring. There is a need for more people that are lifting others up and figuring out ways to make things better. Those that are positive and focus on solutions and don't get consumed with all that is wrong (which can be paralyzing) seem to come out on top in the end. Even if you don't end up on top, you will be rewarded with strong relationships in your 3 rings. People want to be around people that are kind, positive and happy.

The old song, "Accentuate the Positive" holds sound advice that is very relevant today: "You've gotta accentuate the positive, eliminate the negative, latch on to the affirmative, don't mess with Mister In-between." Be the ringmaster. Be an orange!