So my friend was just saying last night how hard it is to deal with negative people. She said, "maybe some people are just programmed that way."
Well, in my experience, everyone may have either the glass half empty/half full tendencies... but we are always empowered to make the choice to see the "upside" of things (even if it doesn't come naturally.) I feel strongly that "venting" is a productive way to process anger, hurt or fear... but "complaining" is useless energy that drains the complainer & often the people around them.
Big difference, right? It all depends on your intention. Is it to just bitch about everything, to see the downside in every situation?! To fear everything, and assume the worst? Or is the intention to "vent," in order to process your thoughts & feelings... with the goal being to let go & move on?
Well, you can call me Pollyanna, or just say I was born with the tendency to be optimistic... but there have been times in my life that I've fallen into the pessimistic groove. Then I remember, there is always a silver lining. There is always, always something (if not a pretty big list) to be grateful for. So when I find myself thinking the glass might be half empty, I make the conscious choice to switch it up and look at things another way. It serves me. It serves me darn well. And life is good.
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A few years ago, I started a Gratitude Journal. (full disclosure: I'm an Oprah fan ;0) Just about every night I'd list 5 things that I was grateful for.
Over a period of years, as you can imagine, the gratitude list ranged from my cat to my good health; from my husband's gourmet cooking to the honor of being chosen as Godmother for my lovely little Goddaughter; from cozy socks to some success as a Photographer; and from finding a pretty shell on the beach to the fact that I get to spend so much time by the seaside! You see, I really do want to notice the small things: I want to be grateful for all of it- big and small. Life is often about the details. When I'm aware of the details, the good things seem better and the challenges seem more manageable. It helps keep my perspective in balance.
Recently, in the midst of one of those "challenges," a friend reminded me that 'we are blessed beyond measure.' It's true, and I knew it, but I need a gentle reminder at times. Again, Perspective.
Life is good.
I don't know where along the way I stopped using that journal. But now, I go through each day mindfully noting things, big and small, that I'm grateful for. Although I'd like to start using a journal again, I'm fairly certain that I notice no less than 5 things throughout each day that I'm grateful for anyway. In fact, I think it's far more than five. I guess the journal trained me to notice. Now if I don't get it on paper, it's ok, because it's become almost second nature. I am very thankful; for so much.
So November is the time of year when we focus on Thanksgiving. I believe that Gratitude is not only uplifting; it also invites more blessings and inspires more thankfulness. It's choosing to be grateful, even for the challenges. Perhaps, in time, even viewing challenges as opportunities. It's actually not about Thanksgiving- it's about every day. Thanksgiving is just a gentle reminder.
Happy, Happy Thanksgiving, my friends. Thank you for whatever role you have/had in my life. Thank you for giving or finding joy or calm, inspiration or peace, a smile or laughter in my photography and blogging. My intention is to inspire "Optimism, Compassion, Gratitude and Grace." And, I consider myself immeasurably blessed.
