My glass is always half full. I can't help it. It irks some folks that I always try to see the upside, but it's in my DNA.
Does that mean I never have rotten stuff happen, or that I never have a bad day? Not by a long shot. I/we have bad/sad/awful/ things happen to us...everybody does. But I have a choice of how I react to those things.
Does getting depressed, ranting/raving/cussing/kicking/snorting/ or bitching help? Usually not. I know this is a tired cliche, but that's because it is so true. You cannot fully appreciate how great life can be unless you've had the crap kicked out of you a time or two.
I just learned a friend has lymphoma. It knocked him for a loop, and he allow himself some time to wallow, but like a cat, he landed on his feet.
He's emailing friends, not for sympathy, but to say "Hey, don't worry about me. This crap picked the wrong dude to invade." The notes he sends bring tears to my eyes, and make me laugh. He's an inspiration to me.
The fact is, the only thing we can control is how we react to the things that happen to us. I choose to see the bright side.
Does that mean I never have rotten stuff happen, or that I never have a bad day? Not by a long shot. I/we have bad/sad/awful/ things happen to us...everybody does. But I have a choice of how I react to those things.
Does getting depressed, ranting/raving/cussing/kicking/snorting/ or bitching help? Usually not. I know this is a tired cliche, but that's because it is so true. You cannot fully appreciate how great life can be unless you've had the crap kicked out of you a time or two.
I just learned a friend has lymphoma. It knocked him for a loop, and he allow himself some time to wallow, but like a cat, he landed on his feet.
He's emailing friends, not for sympathy, but to say "Hey, don't worry about me. This crap picked the wrong dude to invade." The notes he sends bring tears to my eyes, and make me laugh. He's an inspiration to me.
The fact is, the only thing we can control is how we react to the things that happen to us. I choose to see the bright side.
I'm with you, Rick. I am an optimist (by choice) and I do think we have a choice to make every day-it we are going to look on the bright side of things or let life eat away at us. I am a happy camper 99% of the time. xo Diana
ReplyDeletePrayers for you friend. His attitude will do him well in the times he will need it. Our nephew was just told his lymphoma has returned. He's got two young children, but he's a fighter with so much to fight for.
ReplyDeleteHope your weather is holding and your fences getting mended.
Hugs~
If I find myself getting overwhelmed by the dark side I eat cookies. Well actually I Bake cookies and feed 'em to whoever happens to be handy.
ReplyDeleteMost days I'm pretty peaceful, relaxed, and happy...if things get to me I grouse a bit and then get on with living. Being silly helps a lot.
Your friend sounds like an inspiring soul....I shall send thoughts and prayers his way.
ReplyDeleteI'm sorry to read about your friend. I hope his everyday will be full of peace, hope and love! Take care
ReplyDeletex
Thanks Rick for your post, just what I needed today!! :-)
ReplyDeleteI'm like you. I choose to look on the bright side, and to take inspiration from the smallest things. Life can be tough, and choosing to be happy is like showing Adversity who is boss.
ReplyDeleteSo true Rick . But sometimes it helps to air out your true feelings and letting others carry the load a bit.
ReplyDeleteI know many people keep everything inside and then it comes out another way one day either through illness or explosion lol
I am the kind that never keeps anything inside and it sure makes me feel good others know what ails me cause then I don't have to carry it alone. It has nothing to do with not looking at the brighter side of life but when things suck, you say things suck but they will get better. Tomorrow is another day.
Gone With the Wind always inspires me. lol Take care.xoxoxo
I am sorry about your friend... I am like you, Rick. I see the full glass and focus on the positive. Happiness is about gratitude. When I look back I realize that the most devastating experience I had in my life is the one that made me who I am today. It made me strong, vulnerable but strong. It made me see how fragile life can be and how strong we can be. There is no better teacher than life. Great post.
ReplyDeleteMy glass isn't half empty. It's empty. That way I can fill it with something new and interesting everyday.
ReplyDeleteLove,
Janie
You are so right Rick.... it is all in how we handle the challenges we are given :)
ReplyDeleteafter Don died my glass was empty...it's taken a long time to get to where I am today...a lot of the journey was like falling down a deep black hole perhaps I'm back to a glass half full, I don't know, I'm just happy to be able to look at photos of him and remember things we did together without falling apart
ReplyDeletefor your friend I say a prayer...with the fervent hope that he will beat this thing in his body
Theanne, I've lost brothers and both parents, but when it comes to dealing with losing a mate I really don't have a point of reference. Thanks for your kind words. I'll pass them along to my friend.
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