As an introduction to the subject of 'Positive Attitude', Ray Kinslow read 'Attitude' by Charles Swindoll, as the club's devotion. Following the Positive Attitude theme, members roll call was a response to what Positive Attitude means to them. Responses included: 'Always look for joy in life', 'Singing old hymns', 'Look at the positive side', 'Make someone laugh', and 'Don't worry, be happy'.
The brief business meeting included reporting on our community project with Social Services, discussion of fall council and our OHCE Winter meeting will be December 1,2023. Members sid what they would bring for the Salvation Teenage Christmas bags. the club voted to give Mrs. Nancy Self, Creek County Extension Advisor, a $50 gift card during her retirement party on December 12.
Ray continued 'Positive Attitude' saying that positive persons are like 'The Little Engine That Could'. Ray explained that, like the little engine that could, the positive person would continue and never feel overwhelmed or give up. Ray explained how positive attitude increases life span, lowers depression, while also increasing coping skills and overall happiness. Ray said 'To achieve this positive attitude, one savors pleasure, gratitude, cultivates mindfulness, and sense of purpose. With emphasizing the positive, Dr. Joyce Wade Kinslow inserted that there are five steps to positivism. These include 1) optimism, 2) motivation/sense of purpose, 3) energy, 4) critical/creative thinking, and 5) Overall happiness. Ray noted, these are addressed by 1) Starting day with positive note, 2) Focusing on the good 3) Embracing life's challenges, 4) Surrounding self with positive people, 5) Choose happiness, kindness, ect., and 6) Take care of self and have fun. Joyce responded that giving thanks, smiling, healthy snacks, exercise, practice goodness, drop grudges, being mindful/pay attention, ect. are good responses. Ray said that to achieve a positive attitude, we must savor pleasure, practice gratitude and cultivate mindfulness, while retaining a sense of purpose and positiveness, including while aging. Ray added that life does not diminish with aging, can be with new experiences, knowledge/ wisdom, and positive approach. Joyce explained that thankfulness is beginning of gratitude and grateful is emotional appreciation for something given to you. Thus, thankfulness consists of the of gratitude, i.e., words, acts, ect. Joyce listed tips for developing gratefulness as: 1) Saying three good things daily, 2) Put yourself in someone else's shoes, 3) Savor good moments, and 4) Look outward and inward of others. During the lesson, Joyce passed out 'Positive Card reminder' 'Thanks-Living Jar', for writing down something good that happened, and notepad for writing down a positive note to others. These were given to each member. In addition, members choose a positive word, ad (after making a flower) put it in a vase. When all completed this, the vase of 'Positive Flowers' were given to our Bristow OHCE Club President< Carolyn Kuykendall. Ray concluded the meeting with 'Love is transformative and gratitude can have many components'. For more information and interest in becoming a member, contact President Carolyn Kuykendall, at 918-605-5410 or Dr. Joyce Wade Kinslow at 575-4994840.