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?
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