As you know, there was a recent government program to bolster the economy called “Cash for Clunkers.” As I checked the Internet for more details about it, I wondered if we could set up a similar rebate for the clunker attitudes we often carry around with us. You know the ones when you’re run down, your ambition is flat, you just don’t have enough fuel to get started, you stall to get the things done that you want to, and your inner engine just isn’t what it used to be. These clunker attitudes don’t serve us at all, so wouldn’t it be nice if we could trade them in? What a happier and healthier world it would be if more people weren’t driving these tired, old attitudes over us?

According to the Cash for Clunkers list of requirements, I fit all the requirements. Yes, I’ve been hanging on to some of my negative attitudes and beliefs for more years than I’d like to count. I clean and polish them up every once in a while and work on changing them, but then I get lazy and let them gain more ground. Yes, they do get regular mileage each time I keep telling myself “These things always happen to me.” “I never have any luck at all.” “Someone up there is just out to get me.” And yes, if take my spirit away, push my buttons, or step on my last nerve, I could drive one right to your front door.

This morning I woke up a little earlier than usual. I started thinking about all the things I had to get done and felt one of those clunker attitudes coming on. To avoid setting this crabby tone for my entire day, I dug through my CDs and pulled out Louise’s Morning and Evening Meditations. I don’t usually listen to these kind of CDs unless I have to write about them. But I figured if anyone can set a mood to positive, it’s Louise!

In her soothing and delightful voice, Louise reminded me about all of the many treasures that I may have forgotten and asked me to thank each one—my house, my most cherished piece of furniture, the warm shower water, and even the plumbing. I felt a little funny thanking my familiar household items for being there for me, but you know…it made me smile.

Then Louise said, “Wherever you are going today, send love to that place. To the market, to the store, to the dentist, to work. Send love ahead of you…to the building, to the people you work with, to the people you work for, to the equipment, to the furniture, and to everything else you will come in contact with. This is a harmonious, loving, prosperous, and creative day for you.”

I must say after about 20 minutes listening to this meditation, I jumped up full of energy and ready to take on the world. And yes, when I arrived at work, the love was there waiting for me.

Something I Didn’t Know…: 

How well did the Cash For Clunkers program do? According to a message on Suze Orman’s Twitter page: “Toyota was the number one car purchased in the cash for clunkers program. Ford was the number one clunker traded in. Hmmm-is that good?”

Best Line I Read Last Night:

“The human race . . . has unquestionably one really effective weapon--laughter.”

—  Mark Twain