Random Lines A World Away

     Today I was thinking about the blog that I posted recently and realized that I unintentionally hit on the subject of mental attitude.  I just finished a book by the late Robert Thieme Jr. called Mental Attitude Dynamics.  In it, he talks about the direct correlation between physiological and psychological condition.  Mental attitude effects everything we do in life.  Attitude can even effect our physical health and how well we perform various tasks.  A lot of guys know that this deployment is my last go round.  I’m not looking to make this a career.  I’ve been asked several times, “How do you stay happy if this isn’t something you want to do?”  My answer is simple.  I’ve learned from my strong Christian upbringing that there are two ways to go about things in life.  The easy way or the hard way.  The hard way is having a bad attitude about something that you know you must do anyways.  The easy way is to accept what is in front of you and to “drive on.”  I’m honored to serve the greatest nation on the earth. 

     I’m honored to serve in tradition that men have died for.   Although I don’t enjoy doing this, a mission like this is not meant for enjoyment.  An attitude of selflessness is required to stay happy in this environment.  This, by no means, is about me.  Its about honoring an obligation, its about helping people that many may deem a lot cause, its about giving a country a chance to have what we have.  When we leave, the Iraqis may very well turn this place into a smoldering heap of rubble.  But at least I can say in good conscience that I gave them a chance to succeed.        

     There are certain situations in life that we can not change no matter how hard we try.  But, the eventual outcome of that situation can be manipulated by a change in attitude.  Throughout this deployment I’ve found myself in a lot of situations I didn’t want to be in.  But what I have found, is that by checking my attitude I can literally change the final product.  A good attitude brings light into even the bleakest of situations.