“If I had to learn my alphabet again, A is for Attitude is the place I would start. It is clear. It is loving and empowering. It is right on time. What a blessing!” — Iyanla Vanzant Based on one of Patricia Russell-McCloud’s most popular speeches, A is for Attitude brims with anecdotes, advice, and action steps, and provides a blueprint for a successful life that has meaning, substance, and contentment at its core .  From A to Z, Russell-McCloud takes readers on an inspiring tour of the key principles necessary to make life richer and more dynamic and every day exhilarating and rewarding. Her message of personal empowerment and professional accountability shows readers how to have the courage to face all that life has to offer—the pleasures and the disappointments—and how to stop making the excuses that hinder us from venturing beyond where we are. "If I had to learn my alphabet again, A Is for Attitude is the place I would start. It is clear. It is loving and empowering. It is right on time. What A Blessing!" — Iyanla Vanzant, bestselling author of Yesterday I Cried and In the Meantime "In this book, Pat continues to inspire all people through her motivational wisdom and creativity. This is a must read for personal and business good fortune." — Pat Harris, Assistant Vice President, Diversity Initiatives, McDonald's Corporation "Just like alphabet soup, A Is for Attitude warms the soul and energizes the heart. Patricia Russell-McCloud provides spiritual and practical solutions to the ABC's of life." — Terrie Williams, author of The Personal Touch: What You Really Need to Succeed in Today's Fast-Paced Business World “For those who are smart enough to read this important book and share it with friends, the rewards will be there for years to come.” — George C. Fraser, author of Success Runs in Our Race and Race for Success “Life-changing and inspirational. . . an indispensable guide to living beautifully and with satisfaction.” — Les Brown, author of Live Your Dreams "Speaks to young and old offering hope for tomorrow and fortitude and direction today." — Felicia Hall, Women's Sports Marketing, Nike "The content of Patricia Russell-McCloud's motivational book, A Is for Attitude: An Alphabet for Living is wonderfully written as well as very powerful, inspirational, and upbeat. Not only does this book encourage readers to learn and to grow internally, but it also helps the reader to apply simple concepts to their everyday life. Patricia provides valuable insight on issues that concern every one of us in some way or another. After reading this book, you will walk away with a renewed since of self worth, realizing your full potential." — Valerie Daniels-Carter, President, Minority Franchise Owners Association-The Burger King Corporation "A wonderful book for youth and adults on living a good life from A to Z. An inspiring tool with many helpful nuggets for making it through the journey of life." — Reatha Clark King, Ph.D., President and Executive Director, General Mills Foundation Patricia Russell-McCloud's message of personal empowerment and professional accountability shows you how to have the courage to face all that life has to offer -- the disappointments and the pleasures. Russell-McCloud shows you how to stop making the excuses that hinder you from venturing beyond where you are. Using the alphabet as a touchstone, A Is for Attitude: An Alphabet for Living offers you, chapter by chapter, a new commitment to assess your strengths and fulfill more of your potential. You'll learn to live with Courage, to tap your Genius and Brainpower, to fight for Justice and Truth, to take Risks, and develop a Vision. A Is for Attitude brims with anecdotes, advice, and action steps, and provides a blueprint for a successful life that has meaning, substance, and contentment at its core. Patricia Russell-McCloud is a top-ranked motivational speaker who has spent more than fifteen years on the lecture circuit.She has inspired thousands of people in private and public organizations to surmount every obstacle that stands between them and a more fulfilling existence. She has received many honors including being named one of the top five business motivators in the country in 1998 by Black Enterprise magazine. For the last four years, Ebony magazine has named her one of the most influential people in the United States. A graduate of Kentucky State University and Howard University School of Law, she is a resident of Atlanta. A is for Attitude An Alphabet for Living By Russell-McCloud, Patricia Quill Copyright © 2004 Patricia Russell-McCloud All right reserved. ISBN: 0060932333 Chapter One a is for Attitude Attitude Determines Your Altitude, How High You Will Fly in This Life Your attitude is one of your greatest assets. It is your attitude and your thoughts that will determine whether you master all that is available to you from life's rich platter. Personally, I found that a