Recently a friend commented that I “am always about the positive and they’re more of a realist, and it isn’t always positive.” At first, I was a little taken back by the comment but, I know her heart and I know she didn’t intend to wound me. Still … her choice of words made think, think about why I think the way I do.
I don’t exist in dreamland. I don’t live with fairies, butterflies and sprinkle topped cupcakes. Although that might be nice, on occasion.
I have lived with darkness and I have lived with fear.
I have lived with someone who made me feel less than.
I have been down to a handful of change in my pocket.
I have been hungry and I have been cold.
I have been 2 weeks from homelessness.
I have been ill and I have been alone.
I have been in danger and I have been preyed upon.
I have had my faith and my sense of justice tested.
I have been all these things and still … still I am grateful.
Why?
image courtesy of pinmarklet.com
I play the “Glad Game.” The game “Pollyanna” purposed to find something good about each and every day.
It’s a choice, I know, but it’s my choice.
It’s my choice to take my experiences – good, bad and indifferent –pile them into life’s backpack, and press on.
I stumble sometimes. I get petty, exasperated and ornery.
But I’m not bitter and I don’t live with regrets.
I could wish for more.
I could. I could. I could.
But I don’t.
I am positive.
I am thankful.
I am positive that I have much to be thankful for.
That’s who I am.
Who are you?
* * *
I am thankful for …
…the mess to clean up after a party
because it means I have been surrounded by friends.
…the taxes I pay
because it means that I’m employed.
…the clothes that fit a little too snug
because it means I have enough to eat.
…my shadow who watches me work
because it means I am out in the sunshine.
…the spot I find at the far end of the parking lot
because it means I am capable of walking.
…all the complaining I hear about our government
because it means we have freedom of speech.
…that lady behind me in church who sings off key
because it means that I can hear.
…lawn that needs mowing, windows that need cleaning and gutters that need fixing
because it means I have a home.
…my huge heating bill
because it means that I am warm.
…weariness and aching muscles at the end of the day
because it means that I have been productive.
…the alarm that goes off in the early morning hours
because it means that I am alive.
- by Nancie J. Carmody
I’m sure your friend is glad she has you in her life as a positive force. It’s a great way to live.
Blesings,
Michy
Well .. I think she does. And she is in no way a negative person; to the contrary. The thing is she has a lot on her plate right now and perhaps is feeling overwhelmed.
Either way – I’ve realized that this is what works for me .. The more I say “thank you” the more I have to be thankful for … Cheers! MJ
Sometimes the only thing that a person can control is…their attitude. You do well with yours MJ.
R
You said it best; thank you Rich!
MJ
I am thankful that you are in my life again. You are a blessing to me.
Awww … thank you sweet friend, MJ
Positivity does not have to equal fantasy. It is hard to stay positive and real, but it is possible.
absolutely!! Thank you, Amy, for weighing in .. MJ
I am thankful to sit with other bloggers over their posts or comments on mine and know that in India, France, Ireland, England, USA, Scotland, Israel, etc. are thinkers who like you and me, are trying to figure out the best paths for our lives. It makes us all connected. And that makes me glad!
Yes!! That connection .. and that sense that we’re all trying to figure it out .. love it. Thanks Renee, MJ
You do press on. Philippians 3:14
Aww, thank you. Love it, MJ
I like to think all those trials we’ve had give us compassion. You are a positive and compassionate woman.
I sure would hope so; there’s a quote I love that goes something like this, “If we put everyone’s troubles in a box together each of us would gladly take back our own once we saw everyone else’s” and it’s true! MJ
I can relate to many of the things you have experienced in your life. Sometimes I do have a regret or two that sneak in for awhile. But I, too, am positive and thankful!
… I know what you mean, Dianna. I find the more I give thanks, the more I have to be thankful for
MJ
preach sista!
C’mon down!!
MJ
I love this! I too am positive, optimistic, and have had a few ups and downs in my life. But I believe that a positive spirit does more for me than any other attitude, talent, or skill I posses. And when I do have a down day, I am usually quickly humbled to learn that whatever my troubles may be, I have much more to be thankful for. Opening my eyes to the situations of others is an excellent reminder that I have been fortunate indeed. it keeps me grateful and aware that circumstances can change quickly, and that blessings should be appreciated and counted.
BTW, I love the Disney movie of Pollyana…such a sweet and innocent time it portrays!
I couldn’t agree more. Over time, it’s been my best asset and my most used survival skill … “stuff happens ..” but it’s how we relate to it that really matters .. at least to me.
Hayley Mills was wonderful in that role wasn’t she? MJ
If one is able to see even one little good thing each day, it’s a promise for more. It gives hope. I applaud your positive attitude.
I agree; without hope I would feel lost. MJ
Wonderful post!! I try to keep the same outlook on life. Weird as it may sound, I want this ‘positive’ energy around me rather than the negative energy. I actually feel better physically.
Comments like yours help so much when I have those moments of being overwhelmed with life circumstances.
Thank you; I couldn’t agree more. I have swept my friendship cupboard clean and Lysolled out the Negative Nellies. I call those people “energy vampires” and when I see one coming .. I head the other way
Cheers for your day and a big
from me to you,
MJ
I do my very best to channel Pollyanna on a daily basis. Yesterday, as the boys bickered back and forth during our hour long car ride, I tried to lose myself in thoughts of thankfulness. I can’t say I was completely cheerful, but I had the right intentions.
Keep playing the glad game!
I hear you, Lenore. I used to keep their favorite music in the car for just those moments .. if they started in, they got drowned out
MJ
How I love Pollyanna? The minute I saw the title of your post I thought of her positive Glad Game and how funny it was that people actually disliked her for being positive. None of us have perfect positive lives. But it’s the attitude we have and how we chose to live our lives that make us who we are. Personally I’d rather play the Glad Game than go to a Pity Party.
somehow, I knew you’d get it straight away, Leah
Yeah, pity parties & whinefests?? step away .. step far, far away!
MJ
I try to be like you. I’m not as good at it as you are, but ultimately I strive to believe that there is more good in this world than bad.
I used to write a Friday post every week focused on what was good about the week. I gave it up, partly due to feeling down for an extended period of time and partly because it began to feel phony. You might have inspired me to revisit that habit.
I started the glad game during a particularly dark, sad time. I decided to try to write down 3 things every night that I was glad for. Simple things like being glad I had money for gas that day or that my boy enjoyed the supper I made him. I found the more I gave thanks, the more I had to be thankful for. It doesn’t have to be profound .. it just needs to be honest. IE somedays my happiest moments come from finding just enough change in my car for a coffee at my favorite little coffee place. Yes I had $$ in my wallet, that’s not the point … finding enough change was like FREE to me
Cheers!! MJ
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