You and I need to have a talk. About attitude. Nope, I’m not scolding you. Unless you are one that needs it?? But, I’m deviating off my usual project posts to have this chat so listen up!! If you are thinking this is lame and want to leave this post…this might be for you. Do you have a bad attitude? Yep, for you.

I get a lot of comments, and emails, and messages, and what what about my cheery, energetic, and sometimes silly ummm…blog? I try to stay as authentic as possible on my blog and am so glad you all pick up on who and what I am about.

But, let’s have a moment of realism here.

Sometimes, often, almost always…something in my life sucks. It doesn’t always rain felt rainbow colored drops from a glitter-filled sky in Nellie’s world. Nope, there are good portions of the time when the black sky is spitting nails and my umbrella is made of fluff and doesn’t protect me. Do I huddle up and cry? Yep, sometimes. Okay, lots of the time. I get crabby, whiny, obnoxious, and just a plain brat. I mean…the sky is spitting nails and all I want to do is play with my glue gun.

But…I try (try being the key word, it doesn’t always happen) to shake my fist at the nails, put on my nail-proof boots, start singing “My Favorite Things”, and ignore those nails shooting at me.

You know the best part…God puts a big ol’ giant rainbow colored bubble around me and keeps those nails from making me look like swiss cheese. That rain is distracting, don’t get me wrong. It’s frustrating…absolutely. But…moving through the rain of nails MUST happen. And doing it with a good attitude MUST happen. For me, just moving isn’t enough…moving with a smile and kindness is what’s necessary.

And this is where we start talking about attitude. Not the 7 year old version of an attitude. Or the 15 year old version. Nope, the big girl panties kind. The kind where you take what life throws at you, good or bad, and smile. Because, you know full well that someone else out there has been dealt a worse hand then you and is doing it with far more grace and panache then you could ever hope to have. That’s humbling. Especially if you are fortunate enough to live in a first world country and have first world problems like…”the pipe burst” (I had that). “the doctor was an hour late!” (gasp, that stinks). “I have to go in for surgery” (not going to lie…that’s a tough one).

But here’s the kicker…the smack in your face…the get your head out of your *ss……

Our problems are another’s dream. Always.

So, get over the problem. Immediately. Yep, still sucks. Still hard. Still takes work and patience. Absolutely.

But guess what…we are able to do it. Cause we are alive. That’s always a blessing right there. If we can’t find any others. And, our problem is perhaps a problem another only dreams of having. There’s some perspective…right!

I don’t want to take away from those horrible things that happen world wide that there is just no explanation for. The death of a child, horrible tragedies and sickness, the list goes on. I don’t want to minimize or belittle those of you that have and are going through that. That is in a league of it’s own. I am always astonished at the grace and perseverance by humans in the face of tragedy and pain. It’s inspiring and painful…all at the same time!

No, this is for those of us that are irritated and cranky at the simplest things. That can’t seem to get a kind word out. That have a short temper and then spew bitter words around us. That complain and WANT. And then WANT some more. As if our want tanks will never empty.

We need an attitude adjustment. Like now. Consider this our slap across the face.

Get over it.

We are only hurting ourselves. Making ourselves miserable. And unfortunately, probably those we love. Yes, we may not be where we want to be. Life may not have turned out the way we wanted. We may be broke, sick, single, or a host of other “problems”. I guarantee we are not the only ones. And chances are…someone out there has a whole lot more grace and kindness then we do. They will come out the better person for it. We can too.

Change your attitude. Now.

Okay, back to me. Yes, bringing it back to me. Always about me.
I am NOT always happy. or energetic. or positive. And many of my friends and family can attest to that.
However, I am thankful. I am a blessed, blessed girl. My life is beyond what I deserve. What I hope to ever deserve. And beyond what I could ask for.
I choose to be kind to everyone as best as I know how. Who am I to decide whom God feels is worthy of my kindness? Nope, I’m not stupid enough to make that call. That does not mean that drama doesn’t happen. Or I screw up. It happens. I do. But…I try to always do the right thing as best I can. Then I know that when those things happen…I did my best. That’s all I can do?
I choose to be energetic and positive. Which can be exhausting. Yes, yes it can. And sometimes I’m perceived as silly, juvenile, immature. That can be true. But, being energetic and happy should not be saved for the young. It should be practiced by all ages. If those that see me acting happy, energetic, smiling, giggling, and enjoy life and believe me to be acting childish…thank goodness!! My goal is to keep my heart pure and genuine…like a child’s. I strive to not become bitter and jaded; unwilling to see the joy and laughter around me.

And so, I say…attitude is yours to choose. Circumstances aren’t always. Control what you can. Be the best version of yourself you can be. Take those circumstances and wave your nose at them…shake your fists…be bigger then the hard stuff.

Attitude is everything.

Here at NellieBellie we live life as big and loud as we can. I will be bright, I will be happy, I will be silly, I will be childish. You will see me acting stupid again and again. It is a choice. I choose to live life as best as I can…with an open and happy heart.

Join me?

Does this sound like a sermon? Golly, I hope not. It’s me trying to be a good friend. Trying to tell you…if you have a stinky attitude NOONE wants to be around you. And cause I am your friend, I want to WANT to be around you. Not just have to.

Kapeesh??

Right about here is where I direct you to something else on my blog that is similar to the project you are reading. Um, yeah. Sorry. I don’t have many posts like the one you are reading. They all have tutorials…and pictures…and crafts.
I would love you to check out a couple of MY favorite silly projects.

the plant that never dies.
diy gilded bookend.

And I have a giant, fantastic announcement!! I am a finalist in Crafting with the Stars! With Levi’s bedroom redo as the entry that gained me such fantastic news!!  Seriously…the over 300 bloggers that entered were amazing! Stellar!! I’m still pinching myself that I was chosen! So stinking excited!