The Goodness of Life

Does anyone else out there find it easier to be pessimistic than optimistic?  Nature itself causes us to question, doubt and produces fear for various reasons.  Instead of dealing with something, it's easier to scowl, grunt and brush it under the carpet- keeping that bitterness to fester.  I think as I get older, it's easier to do that.  I've had more practice, I guess.  

Lately, I've felt like I've let too many of those small things fester into a much larger ball of stress. Seems like work "noise" keeps my mind busy and serious with too many details and frustrations (at times) to stop and laugh a little during my day.  Election year- whew.. what's to come?  Poachers in the neighborhood, killing our protected wildlife.  Short days up ahead with darkness at both ends.  

Don't get me wrong.  There are a MILLION more things that are good.  Halloween costumes and happy kids, sunny crisp fall days, Maui vacation in just over a month, progress on house projects, etc.  It's just that sometimes, the bad are "heavier" on the scale than the good.

One way to fight this giant ball of stress and grunts, I've found... is to take a few minutes out of your day and look for something of beauty.  Maybe it's something simple- leaves changing colors, or a phrase or poem that brings warmth.  Sometimes it's kindness that reminds me of how good it feels putting someone else first- letting someone with a fussy infant go in front of you in the line- or a simple courtesy wave when driving.  

The internet is packed with wonderful pick-me-ups and I have a few sites that I visit that put my smile on straight and put some welcome weight on the good things.   I thought I'd share a link to a neat presentation.  It's about 5 minutes, so only click it if you TRULY have 5 minutes to do nothing.. but breathe and enjoy.  Life is an amazing gift.  

Click here for "The Goodness of Life" presentation