I was 40 when I was 10. I saw the glass half-empty. I figured either the Russians or Killer Bees would wipe us out by the time I was 21. Y2K was going do me in when an airplane fell out of the sky on top of me. The Mayans? Well they predicted the end of the world on my birthday. Really. Debbie Downer told me once to cheer up. I didn’t exactly believe in the power of positive thinking.
The Russians might yet get us and there is still time for Killer Bees to get their act together. Y2K came and went. The Mayans’ prophecy fizzled. So, am I still negative?
Nah, not really. Somewhere along the way I learned a little truth: It ain’t what happens, it is how you react to it. And honestly, I’ve learned that how you react to it is determined by how you SEE it. We’re all bombarded with the same stimuli. It’s just how our brains interpret it. I make a conscious effort NOT to be negative. For example:
This morning, I took my son to school for a Beta Club Meeting. My wife called and said she had forgotten some artwork. I was going to be even later to work. I had every right to be grumpy because I HATE driving in traffic. But instead, I chose to enjoy the extra time with my son and the chance to see my wife again. The traffic didn’t seem so bad. I heard some good tunes on the radio as a bonus.
I had to cut the grass yesterday. I could have complained about it — my allergies are in full bloom. Instead, I took satisfaction of how good my yard looked when I got done. It was nothing to sneeze at (even though I did.
Some people think the newspaper business is dying. Not me. I just see it radically changing. That change has given me new and exciting opportunities for me to use my talents.
I had a type of cancer that sometimes comes back. I could be afraid of that but instead, I choose to embrace every sunrise. Tomorrow will be my 14th anniversary of my diagnosis. Thanks be to God — I have a grateful heart. And am on top of the grass.
I’m not a pollyanna. In fact, I’m still that 40-year-old 10-year-old at heart. I’ve seen cruelty and felt pain. I struggle with moments of depression. But I don’t choose to stick my head in the sand. I meet negativity head on with humor and optimism. And I see the good in things even when they’re sometimes not apparent. Yeah, sometimes it is the most difficult thing I’ve ever done. But the rewards are priceless.
Yes, the glass is half full. And it is full of the most precious gift of all. Life.
I’m a lucky man.