Attitude: Colour and black and white

I have a friend who is severely colour blind. He doesn’t see things in shades of black and white, that form of colourblindness is very rare, however he can’t distinguish between shades of red and green. It’s been limiting and has restricted the work he can do and the opportunities he’s been able to pursue. He’s worked around it reasonably well though, has a wife, a couple kids and a job. Sure, there were times he was very angry about his condition like when it prevented him from pursuing a career in law enforcement, but generally he has worked to overcome the condition and been successful.

I spoke to the fellow today and found out he has recently secured a decent promotion, one of those promotions that brings life changing financial rewards and it couldn’t have happened to a nicer chap.

We spoke about trials and tribulations, the adversity we sometimes face and what it takes to overcome it and both agreed that, amongst the many things we need to do so, attitude is the most important; with the right attitude seemingly insurmountable challenges can be brought down to size.

Viktor E. Frankl once said - Everything can be taken from a man but one thing: the last of human freedoms - to choose one’s attitude in any given set of circumstances, to choose one’s own way.

I love that quote and have worked hard throughout my adult life to make the best choices in respect of my attitude; it’s not always been easy but the results have been worth it when it’s worked out, which it hasn’t always.

I’m not colour blind fortunately, although life is sometimes black and white, I mean sometimes my life hasn’t been coloured in the vibrant hues I’d prefer it to take. Disappointments, failures, my own poor performance and behaviour for instance; like all of us, I’m subject to the human condition that is, I have failings and frailties. However life has been illuminated by colour and light also and most often it’s the attitude I’ve worked so hard to maintain that has brought it.

I’ve been very fortunate in life and have many reasons to be grateful including the lessons I learned early on that have caused me to focus on maintaining the appropriate attitude. No, I’ve not always managed it, but seeking it out has helped me find it often enough.

I often wonder about people who have happy, productive and enjoyable lives; do they attribute it to their attitude and the decisions and actions they take because of it. Do you do so. I’d be interested to know in the comments below.