Today is First Day of the Rest of My Life
By Sparks
@sparkofinsanity (20471)
Regina, Saskatchewan
July 20, 2008 3:21pm CST
As you can see, I have a new avatar. It says: Attitude is small thing, that makes a big difference.
How true.
And my attitude has changed due to events in my life over the past year.
I have nearly lost a beloved son.
I have nearly lost a marriage.
I have nearly lost my own life.
Thankfully, all three things ended happily and I didn't have to buy a gun or build a coffin.
So I have a new attitude. I am still the same irreverent, funny spark of insanity you have come to know and love. I care deeply about my friends and will go to the wall for them if need be. That will NEVER change.
What I won't do, is waste anymore of my time getting upset over things I have no control over. If I have questions, I will weigh their importance to the realities of my life before I ask them. If my friends have questions, they are free to ask them, but don't expect me to fall all over myself expending energy on matters of no real consequence.
I'm tired of being the super 'nice guy' all the time. I'm old enough and experienced enough to speak my mind plainly. And you who know me, know that even then, I'll do it with humor and from a place of love not pettiness.
I have no more time for pettiness of any kind. I won't tolerate it in my life, from any venue, anymore. I want to write, I want to spend time with my friends, but I DON'T want anymore drama - well not until next year, when I'll be so bored I'll be LOOKING for drama! LOL But for now, Sparks is still Sparks, but the burn you may feel from time to time will be hotter and sharper. No disrespect will ever be intended, and none will be tolerated.
So welcome to my new attitude!
Do you think it's time to change yours?
8 people like this
20 responses
@sparkofinsanity (20471)
• Regina, Saskatchewan
20 Jul 08
Oh, get my goat you sarcastic S.O.B. I want your shoes! ROFL
2 people like this
@sparkofinsanity (20471)
• Regina, Saskatchewan
20 Jul 08
Yep, them be the ones! Of course, you're welcome to remain IN them when you hand them over! ROFL
2 people like this
@tessah (6617)
• United States
20 Jul 08
nope.. i dont. i like my attitude exactly the way it is.. others dont verymuch, but too bad soo sad... lil tess is no ones doormat any longer..and my life is much more joyful due to it. i learned this thankfully a long time ago.. and even more thankfully without having to go through what youve recently endured.. and turned my life inside out and upside down to make it more custom-made for MY liking.. it is MY life afterall, right? i`ll keep me thanx.. i kinda like me now. 
3 people like this
@sparkofinsanity (20471)
• Regina, Saskatchewan
21 Jul 08
Well I intend to keep you too! I LOVE your attitude! It's done ME a world of good, that's for sure!
2 people like this
@gabs8513 (48686)
• United Kingdom
20 Jul 08
Well I hope to one Day and I really wish I could change as I still feel at times that People are walking all over me but hey I am me and nothing I can do about it lol
I mean Gissi just has to rub his cute little Nose and he has me wrapped round his Paws
I am so glad though that you will always be the Spark that I know love and respect
You have been through a lot and I really hope that it is over now and things turn better for you
You are certainly a lot stronger then me lol
Big Hugs
@sparkofinsanity (20471)
• Regina, Saskatchewan
20 Jul 08
I get my strength from my friends Gabs. And you are certainly front and centre there, so don't sell yourself short! Sometimes strength is a quiet thing, held close and not always visible, but definitely there! That's your kind Gabs. Never doubt it. Big hugs right back at you!
2 people like this
@sparkofinsanity (20471)
• Regina, Saskatchewan
21 Jul 08
Am I on mylot yet? ROFL Thanks sdas. And yes, if you have bad attitudes, do change them. Life is always better when we shed bad habits. Good luck.
@LouRhi (1502)
• Australia
20 Jul 08
Yes that is incredibly true. So much can be altered with just a small shift in attitude. I am glad to hear that all major events in your life the past year have ended happily. Sometimes we need a rough patch to see how great life really is.
Your new attitude sounds fantastic and will hopefully rub off on those that also need a change. There is to much pettiness not just here but in the world as a whole. Life could be taken away from us without a moments notice and yet so many people seem to waste it with worry of things that may well be of little to no consequence!
My attitude is in dire need of a change as well. I have had a bad case of the can't be's lately. A terribly affliction that I regularly suffer from. Fingers crossed that it is passing now and I can become the hive of activity that I should be!
@sparkofinsanity (20471)
• Regina, Saskatchewan
21 Jul 08
Lovely Lou -------- you change that attitude right now! LOL You go girl! You only have one life. Live it on YOUR terms. Your friends will back you all the way, and the rest can go to hell!
How's that? ROFL
2 people like this
@Hatley (163781)
• Garden Grove, California
20 Jul 08
hi sparks glad you have come through the challenges you
had and have a new attitude. I think I am also ready
for one. I am so tired of the drama and infighting
here, and the mean pettiness that drove one of my best
friends here to leave. lifes just to short to waste more
'time on this stuff. I came to mylot to help me out of
the swamp of depression over being forcibly retired and
found so many great friends and much love and was having
so much fun every day then all this stuff thats happened
has dampened things so for me, but I will be damned if Iwill
let those few petty people drive me away, I love it here and here I shall stay.
3 people like this
@sparkofinsanity (20471)
• Regina, Saskatchewan
20 Jul 08
Good for you Hatley! That's the spirit! You still have many good friends here, and I for one would miss you terribly, so good on you for not letting the pea brains get to you! Hugs.
1 person likes this
@AmbiePam (86038)
• United States
21 Jul 08
About two years ago I decided it was time for a drastic change. I had been trying to get on disability, I was shut in so much because I was ill, and I was cranky to my parents because basically they were the only people I ever saw besides my doctors. One day I told myself it was time I stopped behaving like a victim. I became more active, I even got a part time job (I had to quit 7 months later because of my health). I decided I was blessed by all that I had, and it was time I started acting like it.
2 people like this
@sparkofinsanity (20471)
• Regina, Saskatchewan
21 Jul 08
I think one of the saddest mistakes people make in life, is becoming complacent. What I mean is, their lives 'settle' into a pattern of action or thought or attitude and they become too enervated to change it. Their perceptions narrow and their frustrations grow without a sensible outlet. A recipe for disaster really.
The trick to life is to accept what we truly can't change. To make it work FOR us instead of against us or at least neatralize it's affect on our outlook on life. It takes a certain kind of introspection of self to be able to do that, but it can be done, and the rewards are worth it, just in terms of how we feel about OURSELVES if nothing else. Humor and positivity are so important to a happy frame of mind and reduced stress. People need to learn that. Seems you have Ambie and I applaud you for it.
1 person likes this
@dpk262006 (58675)
• Delhi, India
21 Jul 08
Spark, I did not know the details which you have mentioned in your post. It sounds very disappointing that you lost your marriage and your own life. (It makes me feel sad). But I still hope that you will come out of it and will live your life with all the spark and zest in your life. You will, hopefully, come out with flying colours. Best wishes and best of luck!
@dpk262006 (58675)
• Delhi, India
22 Jul 08
I know you are very bold and positive and can get through any circumstances. Again best wishes from my end.
1 person likes this
@sparkofinsanity (20471)
• Regina, Saskatchewan
21 Jul 08
Thanks dpk. It's been a terrible time, but no different really that many people experience every day. I'm strong. I'm happy. I'll be fine. Thanks for caring sweets.
@checapricorn (16061)
• United States
25 Jul 08
Hi spark,
I love the phrase I have read saying about being upset of things or situation that we have no control..LOL! I will ponder that! Thanks..
ANyway, what I want to change is my attitude whenever I have my period..I can be extremely bad during that time..LOL! I wish I can at least control it even if it's hard! Anyway I am happy to be part of your sparks..LOL!
1 person likes this
@checapricorn (16061)
• United States
25 Jul 08
I love that line! hahahaha!I will be doing that also to my husband!
but, at least here, he knows it! He will just tease me!
@sparkofinsanity (20471)
• Regina, Saskatchewan
25 Jul 08
Well my sparks are happy to have you!
When my period used to come around, I would announce it to my boys that this was THE day, and they knew enough to behave and stay out of my way. LOL
1 person likes this
@CatsandDogs (13963)
• United States
21 Jul 08
I already have. But it's not what I'd like to be. I'm still going through my hell and it's not getting any better at the moment nor will it as long as my mother keeps the attitude she's got right now. Such is life unfortunetly. HOWEVER, I'm so glad to see you back here!! Congratulations are in order!! Love and hugs to a wonderful friend!
2 people like this
@sparkofinsanity (20471)
• Regina, Saskatchewan
21 Jul 08
Good to see you too Cats. I think about you every day and marvel at your strength. You're my hero. Have I told you that lately? You are you know. Hugs sweets.
1 person likes this
@olivemai (4738)
• United States
20 Jul 08
I always try to have a good attitude! I have been trying to rest from a rather hectic, busy year volunteering! I think I did way too much, and did not get enough acupuncture so that my spasms are back full blast, and on my eye muscle to boot! There is way too much " bad" stress to begin with, and we need to unite to make the earth a better place! What more can I say? I am glad that everything has balanced back out for you.
2 people like this
@sparkofinsanity (20471)
• Regina, Saskatchewan
20 Jul 08
I love your attitude Olive! It's a breath of much needed fresh air here and I'm so glad you joined the site. Keep it up. Take care of yourself too! Wouldn't want to MIA for too long!
2 people like this
@olivemai (4738)
• United States
21 Jul 08
Thanks for that! I did not want to lose any friends here, but it is not something that can take more of my time or energy to worry about! I am struggling with a four year old who is the youngest of seven, and she is so smart yet challenging me in every action and word! You definitely bring more joy and good energy to myLot and I enjoy most every discussion or post that you make!
2 people like this
@sparkofinsanity (20471)
• Regina, Saskatchewan
21 Jul 08
Keeping one step ahead of kids is certainly a challenge! I don't envy you. I'm so glad those years are over for me, but I have to admit, they kept my mind sharp!
Hugs to you Olive.
1 person likes this
@skinnychick (6905)
• United States
21 Jul 08
This has pretty much always been my attitude so I'm keeping it. I don't think I need an attitude adjustment, I'm fine the way Iam...:)
1 person likes this
@skinnychick (6905)
• United States
22 Jul 08
LMAO!! Years of practice and I'm very careful not to trip on my own feet!! Unless I ran into George Clooney or something then it might be a problem.
1 person likes this
@sparkofinsanity (20471)
• Regina, Saskatchewan
23 Jul 08
Oh my yes! George Clooney would have me shedding more than my shoes! ROFL
@sparkofinsanity (20471)
• Regina, Saskatchewan
21 Jul 08
LOL. Well said my girl. The only thing I'd change about you is your attitude towards your choice of shoes! ROFL I still can't figure out how such a skinn chick can dance in those shoes and not fall on her face - unless you're waving good bye on your way to meeting the floor with your forehead? ROFL
@TheManager24 (1302)
• Philippines
21 Jul 08
Hi spark! Great to know that you've survived and went to the right path after so many distractions along the way. I am sure you see life differently now... and that is for the better.
People need change. Change is good, most of the time. To make it good all the time, we need to affect change... coz change starts from within. 
These stories should influence people who are burdened and need advice. We dont necessarily need to experience difficult times to change for the better. I am sure people who have read this post will think of change as well, I did. And thinking about change should move towards implementing the change for the better.
We need to be open to changes - new job, new role, new environment, new friends, etc. All will be good as long as we affect change.
Good day!
People need change. Change is good, most of the time. To make it good all the time, we need to affect change... coz change starts from within. These stories should influence people who are burdened and need advice. We dont necessarily need to experience difficult times to change for the better. I am sure people who have read this post will think of change as well, I did. And thinking about change should move towards implementing the change for the better.
We need to be open to changes - new job, new role, new environment, new friends, etc. All will be good as long as we affect change.
Good day!@sparkofinsanity (20471)
• Regina, Saskatchewan
21 Jul 08
LOL. Great post. I wouldn't change a thing!
1 person likes this
@bamakelly (5191)
• United States
21 Jul 08
It sounds to me you have gained wisdom. I think after some hard experiences in life and the struggles that come along with it, it's hard not to get a better insight. I have been through some rough times myself. You can get to a point in life where you decide you are going to dwell on things or keep an attitude like your own. It is all about attitude. And I wish you well. And I do subscribe to your theory!
@sparkofinsanity (20471)
• Regina, Saskatchewan
21 Jul 08
LOL - terrific! People who learn from the past are NOT doomed to repeat unless they are just plain stupid! LOL WE, are not stupid. So onward and upward.
Gosh! Now I'm in the mood for a parade! ROFL
@academic2 (7000)
• Uganda
24 Jul 08
Hard work is the way to go-having just one dya of rest in your smacks to too much work for my liking, but where is any gain without pain?
1 person likes this
@maddysmommy (16230)
• United States
23 Jul 08
Good for you Sparks. I decided a while back not to 'sweat the small stuff' concentrate on the more important things in my life, my son, hubby and family without forgetting myself of course hehe.
1 person likes this
@sparkofinsanity (20471)
• Regina, Saskatchewan
23 Jul 08
Well, as they say, "A happy wife makes for a happy life!" LOL
Good for you.
1 person likes this
@mummymo (23706)
•
23 Jul 08
You go spark! I love your new avatar and it has certainly inspired me to take a look at myself and evaluate changes that are needed. I am trying to stop whinging and whining about every little thing - I get fed up with me myself sometimes!
I promise to be a good girl spark - too scared not to be with your new outlook! Hugs xxx
1 person likes this
@sparkofinsanity (20471)
• Regina, Saskatchewan
23 Jul 08
Mummy, you inspire ME! I do agree, that whinging and whining about things is really a waste of time, but as for you're being a good girl - you are a GREAT girl to me - now have a think and decide how you can be just as great for yourself! Hugs.
@AnnieOakley1 (5596)
• Canada
21 Jul 08
I have been changing my attitude it seems. More laid back on most issues. Only bothering with the important ones.
Pettiness is a waste of time for sure. Things I have no control over is another too. You are right.
I agree.
1 person likes this
@sparkofinsanity (20471)
• Regina, Saskatchewan
21 Jul 08
Oh Annie, you're attitude is part of your force of nature, make no mistake about that! LOL You're just getting as old and tired as the rest of us! ROFL Age is the great leveler don't you know. Hugs kiddo. Good to see you after your own hiatus from here.
@blackmantra_x (2732)
• Philippines
21 Jul 08
good day.. I don't want to change my avatar simply because it's a work of art. A perfect depiction of my name and what I believe. Yours is good and I want to congratulate you in your new lease of life.
@sparkofinsanity (20471)
• Regina, Saskatchewan
21 Jul 08
I like your avatar blackmantra. I wouldn't change it either if you feel it represents you so well. Good choice. And thanks for the congrats.
@RhythmWalker1 (825)
• United States
21 Jul 08
The Serenity Prayer, hit my head when I read this. My s/o is slowly teaching me how
to "not worry" about anything. I have found in life that when I sweep around my own door, handle my own life and ask others to do the same, I have peace of mind.
Sure, my phone doesn't ring as often. The people who talk "gossip" know that calling me isn't gonna help them out. Drama you create is yours to deal with. But, other people need to learn to handle their own drama and leave us out of it.
Today is THE day, to make a difference in your life!
Great post!
1 person likes this
@sparkofinsanity (20471)
• Regina, Saskatchewan
21 Jul 08
Ditto, ditto, ditto to everything you said Rhythm. Great response!
