I've never seen so many people so unhappy about their lives, the outcome of the Presidential election, or their states-of-mind. The passing of so many good people, famous or not, friends or strangers, is hitting everyone harder than ever before.
The unhappiness of others wraps around me like a wet blanket. I've always been such an optimistic person, constantly seeing the positive side of any situation. Yet, I feel helpless to relieve the unhappiness of others. That's because each individual is responsible for his or her well-being. I can't make another person happy. Only individuals can change their attitudes.
It dawned on me as I wrote this that if I am like any characters in the books I write that I am the dog. I am Luke. I am Snow Blood. I will be loyal and love you. I will help in any way I can, but you must be the arbiter of your attitude.
Life isn't perfect. Things don't always turn out the way we want them to. But the secret is to play the hand you are dealt. Moaning and groaning won't help. Being depressed won't help. Expressing anger only pisses off everyone else. Changing your attitude and looking for ways to find the benefits or opportunities in any situation is the only way to go. Anything else is destructive.
So, look inward. Find the brightness inside you and push away the darkness. People love to be around those who make them feel better about themselves. They love to be with positive, happy people. Think about it. Would you rather sit at a party next to someone who is negative, withdrawn, and unhappy or one who has a positive outlook, draws you out and engages you?
A bit of rain is cleansing... neverending rain can become disasterous.
Til Next Time,
Carol