Summary

The author reflects on the power of mindset in overcoming life's challenges, specifically through the lens of his son Josh's struggles with a disability and a recent injury.

Abstract

The narrative centers around the author observing his son, Josh, who is facing the dual challenges of a disability from a childhood accident and a new injury. The author shares his own emotional struggle, feeling frustrated and haunted by past hardships. However, he arrives at a pivotal realization that he has the power to choose his perspective—either to remain bitter about their circumstances or to strive for betterment. By consciously choosing a positive outlook, the author finds a way to not only cope with their situation but also to support and inspire his son. He acknowledges the difficulty of maintaining this mindset but emphasizes the importance of living in the present and focusing on the potential for growth and triumph in adversity.

Opinions

The author believes that one's attitude towards life's challenges is a choice, a decision between succumbing to negativity or embracing personal growth.
He expresses that dwelling on past misfortunes is unproductive and detracts from the ability to respond effectively to current difficulties.
The author asserts that maintaining a positive mindset is crucial for his ability to support his son and to face their shared journey with resilience.
He admits to not always being positive but emphasizes the value of striving for a better outlook for the sake of himself and his son.
The author suggests that readers can apply this "Bitter or Better" tool in their own lives to navigate hardships and improve their daily experiences.
He encourages readers to consider the long-term impact of their mindset on their lives and offers his story as a testament to the power of choosing "Better."

Better Mindset for a Better Life

Bitter or Better?

We Get to Choose

I’m watching Josh struggle to get into the truck. Getting run over by a couple of semi-trucks when you are three years old creates challenges in your life. Nothing new. He has had to relearn to do things we all take for granted.

Today, however, his challenges were compounded by a neon green cast that encased his left arm — resulting from falling over while simply walking.

As I’m watching him trying to get into the truck and struggling to figure this new scenario out of having only one hand to use, I’m trying to figure it out myself.

I also noticed that I’m feeling frustrated over the whole deal. I realize I’m lamenting our situation. All the emotions of past challenges, injuries, mishaps, and disappointments come rushing into the present moment.

My feelings of frustration are amplified by Josh having to go through this. He was never given a choice in it.

While these events and moments exist in the past, their memories haunt my present.

As I start feeling bad about this, I realize I have a choice. Is this an ongoing tragedy with all the negative emotions and thoughts that go with it? Or is it an opportunity for me to grow and become better?

I get to choose. Consciously, I have to make a choice. Past or present. Tragedy or triumph. Bitter or better.

My thoughts immediately turn to Better. A decision to triumph. To see this as an opportunity to overcome a monumentally difficult situation that nobody would want in their life and turn it into something good.

I’m not trying to convince you to think I’m Mr. Positive. I’m not. I don’t like being down. And this tool, Bitter or Better, helps me get my focus back to where I have a better chance at a better day and life.

I can’t change what landed us here. If I’m down, I can’t respond in the best way possible to try to make things better for Josh or me. Dwelling on the misfortune won’t help.

I will never be able to serve my son if I’m limping around, feeling sorry for myself. I can only be of value to him if I choose to live in the present and help him to see his situation in the best possible light.

This road we are on is our path, our lifelong Journey. A road we get to travel as we figure out this thing called our lives.

Bitter? Maybe tomorrow again, but not today.

I want Better.

Keep the Faith. Love Wins.

Key Message: As difficult as it is at times, we get to choose how we will respond to life. I can get Bitter, or I can get Better.

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