Goddamn Attitude: Embracing Positivity Even in Life’s Final Days

In this heartfelt reflection by Bradley Charbonneau, we dive deep into the inspiring story of his mother, Didi Charbonneau, whose unwavering positive attitude has left a profound impact on everyone around her. As she approaches her final days, Bradley shares a powerful lesson about the strength of positivity, resilience, and how we can all strive to cultivate what he calls a "goddamn attitude" — an upbeat, silver-lining-seeking mindset that uplifts even in the toughest moments.

Table of Contents

• Meeting an Old Friend and Hearing a Unique Compliment
• Why a “Goddamn Attitude” is Something to Strive For
• The Legacy of a Role Model Who Lifts Others Up
• Filling the Void and Continuing the Positive Legacy
• Why Sharing This Story Matters
• How to Cultivate Your Own Goddamn Attitude
• Conclusion: Living a Life That Inspires
• Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Meeting an Old Friend and Hearing a Unique Compliment

Bradley finds himself in Scottsdale, Arizona, spending time with his mom in her last days. During this emotional period, he reconnects with an old family friend — a college roommate of his dad’s — whose gruff, craggy voice carries a unique wisdom. This friend expresses how difficult it is to witness Didi’s decline, yet what stands out most is his “complaint” about her unbeatable spirit.

He says, “We’re suffering over here with your mom, her demise, and we just—we’re having a really hard time with it. And just like back when Tom passed, that Didi, you know, it’s that goddamn attitude.”

Listening in the car with his sister, Bradley is struck by this phrase — “goddamn attitude.” It’s not a criticism but rather a testament to how Didi’s relentless positivity makes it harder for others to wallow in sorrow. Even facing her final moments, Didi remains upbeat, always finding a silver lining and asking others how they’re doing.

Why a “Goddamn Attitude” is Something to Strive For

To many, positivity can sometimes feel forced or superficial. But Bradley explains that his mom’s attitude is deeply ingrained — a lifelong way of being that she has passed down to him. He reflects, “I can’t get rid of it. I have a positive attitude all the time. Here we are, my mom’s last days, and I still am somehow upbeat. I still see the silver lining, and it gives me joy.”

This attitude isn’t about denying grief or pain; it’s about choosing to rise above it and to annoy others with your relentless optimism. Bradley’s goal is clear:

“If I’m still annoying people because I am up, I am upbeat, I am flying high with my ridiculous attitudes of positivity when I’m in my final days, then I have succeeded. Then I have lived a genuinely deep and fulfilled and meaningful life.”

The Legacy of a Role Model Who Lifts Others Up

Didi’s positivity isn’t a recent development. She’s lived it her entire life, embodying the question, “How may I serve?” For over 30 years, she taught seventh graders — an age often described as the “pit of age” — and made a lasting impact on countless young lives.

Bradley shares touching notes from former students:

• “Dear Missus Charbonneau, you changed my life in seventh grade. You probably didn’t know it. I was sitting in the back and quiet, but you gave me hope.”
• “You gave me inspiration. You said that I could do it, and I did it, Missus Charbonneau.”

These seemingly small moments reveal the power of consistent kindness and encouragement. Didi’s energy and light shone on those willing to receive it, often without her even realizing the impact she had.

Filling the Void and Continuing the Positive Legacy

As Didi’s final days approach, Bradley acknowledges the vacuum her passing will create — not just in his life, but in the lives of many who have relied on her uplifting spirit. His message is a call to action:

“Our job then is to fill that void of positive, upbeat silver lining that Didi Charbonneau always sees.”

He invites us all to rise up and embody that same goddamn attitude, choosing positivity as a way of life, especially when it’s hardest to do so.

Why Sharing This Story Matters

Some might wonder why Bradley chooses to share this story while out walking on a bike path, surrounded by palm trees. His answer is simple: this is what lifts him up. Talking about his mom, reflecting on her life and attitude, energizes him and gives him purpose.

He hopes that by sharing this story, he can lift up even one person. It’s a reminder that role models like Didi deserve to be placed on a pedestal so we can learn from their light and rise up ourselves.

How to Cultivate Your Own Goddamn Attitude

Bradley’s story isn’t just about his mom; it’s about how each of us can choose to live with a positive attitude, no matter the circumstances. Here are some takeaways to help you cultivate your own goddamn attitude:

1. Find the silver lining. Train yourself to look for the positive aspect in every situation.
2. Lift others up. Like Didi, ask how people are doing and genuinely care about their well-being.
3. Be consistent. Make positivity a lifelong habit, not just a temporary fix.
4. Embrace the annoying factor. Don’t be afraid to be that upbeat person who frustrates those stuck in negativity.
5. Serve others. Ask yourself, “How may I serve?” and let that guide your actions.

Conclusion: Living a Life That Inspires

Bradley Charbonneau’s reflection on his mother’s goddamn attitude is a powerful reminder that positivity is more than just a mindset—it’s a legacy. It’s about how we choose to act in the face of adversity, how we lift ourselves and others, and how we create meaning even in life’s final chapters.

As Bradley says, “The thunder is what you’re gonna do with the lightning. How are you gonna act on it? How are you gonna react to that action and then create a new action of your own?”

Let us all strive to create our own goddamn attitude and fill the world with light, silver linings, and relentless positivity.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What does “goddamn attitude” mean?

It’s a phrase used to describe an unshakeable, positive, and upbeat outlook on life, especially in difficult times. It captures the spirit of choosing joy and optimism even when faced with hardship.

How did Didi Charbonneau maintain such a positive attitude?

Didi’s positivity was a lifelong habit rooted in her desire to serve others and lift them up. She consistently found silver linings, encouraged those around her, and embraced her role as a teacher and role model.

Why is it important to embrace a positive attitude?

A positive attitude not only helps us navigate challenges with resilience but also inspires and uplifts those around us. It creates a ripple effect of hope and encouragement in our communities.

How can I develop my own “goddamn attitude”?

Start by consciously looking for the good in situations, offering support to others, and committing to positivity as a daily practice. Don’t be afraid to be that persistent source of light for yourself and others.

What impact did Didi have on her students?

She inspired many students during their challenging adolescent years, offering hope and encouragement that changed their lives, often without even realizing the depth of her impact.