What is your Breakfast Choice?

I have recently found myself in a contemplative state, navigating changes in my life, the end of a major role and other personal things to consider. Breakfast may not seem the normal occasion to do so, but reflecting on the life journey I have had, I recognise that amidst all the twists and turns, triumphs and setbacks, one element stands out above all else as the thing which has shaped my progress: It is something which I equate with a choice at breakfast, the start of the day and it is – my choice of attitude. Each day I acknowledge that the accolades or adversities of my life are not what defines me, but rather the disposition with which I have approached them.

My narrative isn't one of conventional success measured by academic achievements or career milestones. Born with severe hearing difficulties, I faced early challenges in communication, hard to hear can make it hard to learn how to speak, yet, overcoming these obstacles, I defied expectations by passing the 11 plus, joining the last year of "grammar school boys" and went on to a less than impressive track record of 6 grade C ‘O’ levels and 3 grade E ‘A’ levels (yes to younger people reading this – there were grade ‘E’s and they were the slither of a pass ). The height of my achievement was graduating from Sandhurst, in the top 10% of my intake, but ten years later being made redundant with cuts to the Army when we won the 'Cold War'. However, it is not these ‘accomplishments’ or challenges that hold the greatest significance in the tapestry of my life. Rather, it is the attitude that underpins my approach to them. For me my general attitude has been based primarily on a curiosity about people and a relentless pursuit of what lies beyond the horizon. This attitude has been my compass, guiding me to encounter extraordinary individuals and seize remarkable opportunities.

I attribute no special merit to this attitude; I simply share it as my example, my experience of the difference simply choosing my attitude has made and how it can for others. I recall sharing this to my daughter in her formative years, emphasising the power of choice in shaping our attitudes and our days. As she embarked on each school day, as we sat over the breakfast table, if she seemed fed up or down, ?I tried to explain that she had the ability to choose an attitude. At one point I wrote down positive and negative descriptors and challenged her to pick a positive one. To be honest, I am not sure it always worked when she was contemplating going into her least favourite lessons, but ‘choose you attitude as you choose your cereal’ still remains valid.

What disappoints me, however, is how many adults neglect this. They almost appear to approach a day to be aggressive, or dismissive, or simply miserable. Despite life's lessons and experiences, some remain mired in negativity. It is a reminder that maturity does not always equate to wisdom, and age does not necessarily bestow enlightenment.

From the vantage point of experience, I have gleaned a simple but profound truth: while we cannot alter the past , we possess the power to shape our future through our daily choices. Each morning dawns with the invitation to embrace a new attitude, a choice between despair and determination, bitterness and gratitude, stagnation and growth. Life is not solely about the events that befall us but rather the manner in which we respond to them. It is about cultivating resilience, finding joy amidst the mundane, and fostering compassion in a world often devoid of it.

So, I extend a gentle challenge to you this morning: as you choose what you are having for breakfast, consciously choose your attitude for the day as well. Amidst life's uncertainties and challenges, may you opt for optimism over pessimism, kindness over contempt and curiosity over complacency. For in the realm of attitude lies the key to unlocking life's infinite possibilities.

Enjoy your breakfast and have a great day

John