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For the past week, I’ve pondered and stressed and agonized (in that order and on continuous replay) over how to decide upon the most appropriate topic for this week’s blog post. The bulk of my time has been spent trying to land on a topic I could speak to intelligibly, that was both interesting and relevant and wouldn’t send our readership traveling on a long and arduous trip to the nap store.  I feel strongly that my seven plus years of experience in online sales and marketing, including the past year I have spent working alongside the bright and talented Paramore | Redd folks just might mean that I’ve learned me a few things. Besides, I’m a developing creative writer and rarely EVER at a loss for words. My utterly ridiculous struggles with this blogging business had to be punted. So with a few Fight Club-esque roundhouse kicks to my own gullet, I got myself back on track. This is what you get…

The timing of this post, paired with the state of our nation’s affairs and combined with the current challenges I have been facing both personally and professionally, kept directing me to reflect upon the value and importance of ATTITUDE. 

I cannot tell a lie, my 2009 deserves a swift kick in the chin strap. Things could have been a bit less rocky over the course of the past 11 months as I have been faced with a number of challenges that might make one’s head spin like that sweet little angel Regan MacNeil in the movie The Exorcist. My point is that I have tried my best to stay in control of my emotions, maintain my professional focus and and most importantly, recognize the need to let go of the things of which I have no control.

As I look around me, I clearly see that I am not the only one who has experienced challenges this year. To be honest, compared to some I have been extremely lucky.  Although I cannot truthfully say that I wouldn’t prefer a few more at bats in regard to my reactions to 2009’s curve balls, I remain hopeful that I have been able to keep things in perspective, remain optimistic and successfully dodge most of the left hooks and ninja stars that life hurled my way. That, and fail miserably at overusing all of my tiresome sports metaphors. I realize that the world is never going to be all puppies, bunnies, rainbows and unicorns. It is this sense of awareness that allows me to maintain a positive attitude through the toughest of times. I am grateful for this state of mind and the ability to understand what is truly important in this life. Staying positive through the challenging times and allowing others to feed off of your optimism even though you have taken a fall down the basement stairs of your life can empower you to achieve your life’s greatest successes, both personally and professionally.

So here’s to hoping that 2010 proves joyful and prosperous for us all. Of course the harsh reality is that regardless of whether or not you feel like your 2009 belongs in a dumpster, every wish you make for the upcoming year won’t come true. Life has it’s ups and downs and it is the attitude in which you handle those obstacles that will make or break you, and ultimately help define your character.

As much as I would love to sign off profoundly, I cannot bypass the opportunity to offer up what I have found to be the most sensible advice I have been given in regard to dealing with many of life’s hardships. A wise man (in the form of my brother’s former minor league teammate) once said: Nothing in life worth having comes easy. After all, if it were easy, everyone could do it. And no matter how bad it gets, they can’t eat you.

You’re mine 2010. Mount up.

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