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