I started to post this in the Clubhouse* and make it a new blog of sorts, but then I thought "Why not share this thread with everyone?" So..here it is.
The other night, I watched Michael J. Fox's show on Optimism. As I was watching it, I started thinking about my own attitudes. See...not so long ago, I was a Pollyanna - I saw the bright side of everything, and tried to viewed life as through a child's eyes, even as an adult. As life's hard knocks and daily trials have taken their toll, though, I realize how much of that I've lost.
I've become cynical about many things, and allowed the "adults aren't supposed to like those things/act that way/see things that way" mentality. I worry about impressing people with my intellect or poise or what little sophistication I can muster. I'm always on my guard for the negatives to happen or shielding myself from the worst in people.
If you're familiar with the story of the Polar Express...I've let the bell fall silent. That's something I swore I would never do, yet here I am. There have been times recently when I've felt like a betrayal to my name.
Oh, I still find pockets of joy and appreciate them, but it's not long before I'm back to allowing the pressures of everyday life eat me up and sap my joy.
I realize it doesn't have to be this way. I can battle what life throws at me without allowing it to make me wrinkled and sour inside.
So..I'm starting small. This thread is for anything that makes me laugh or smile, brings warm fuzzies or is just generally full of childish optimism. This is my little project, and I'm inviting others to join in. I'm not looking for glittery graphics to be posted or for another lolcats or joke thread, so I'm hoping it doesn't turn into that, but if those things truly bring you joy, more power to you. Post whatever truly and deeply makes you happy and brings some joy to your life that you want to pass on to others.
This obviously isn't one of those big projects that everyone's going to be sharing on myspace or facebook that has some huge impact. It's just a simple little thread in a community of people I care about that will hopefully become a bright spot for some. I don't expect one little thread to make a significant difference in anyone's life, but when seeds are planted, they can often grow, even in the harshest conditions. So this is my seed. Let's see how it grows.
****Please do NOT rep me for this or for anything I post in this thread. I'm not seeking to gain anything from this, other than to just hopefully spread some smiles and warmth. If you'd like to show appreciation of any kind, pass along something that makes you smile, too, and see if you can't spread the joy. ****
*For those who don't know, with a paid monthly donation to the site, you can get access to the private Clubhouse forum.
The other night, I watched Michael J. Fox's show on Optimism. As I was watching it, I started thinking about my own attitudes. See...not so long ago, I was a Pollyanna - I saw the bright side of everything, and tried to viewed life as through a child's eyes, even as an adult. As life's hard knocks and daily trials have taken their toll, though, I realize how much of that I've lost.
I've become cynical about many things, and allowed the "adults aren't supposed to like those things/act that way/see things that way" mentality. I worry about impressing people with my intellect or poise or what little sophistication I can muster. I'm always on my guard for the negatives to happen or shielding myself from the worst in people.
If you're familiar with the story of the Polar Express...I've let the bell fall silent. That's something I swore I would never do, yet here I am. There have been times recently when I've felt like a betrayal to my name.
Oh, I still find pockets of joy and appreciate them, but it's not long before I'm back to allowing the pressures of everyday life eat me up and sap my joy.
I realize it doesn't have to be this way. I can battle what life throws at me without allowing it to make me wrinkled and sour inside.
So..I'm starting small. This thread is for anything that makes me laugh or smile, brings warm fuzzies or is just generally full of childish optimism. This is my little project, and I'm inviting others to join in. I'm not looking for glittery graphics to be posted or for another lolcats or joke thread, so I'm hoping it doesn't turn into that, but if those things truly bring you joy, more power to you. Post whatever truly and deeply makes you happy and brings some joy to your life that you want to pass on to others.
This obviously isn't one of those big projects that everyone's going to be sharing on myspace or facebook that has some huge impact. It's just a simple little thread in a community of people I care about that will hopefully become a bright spot for some. I don't expect one little thread to make a significant difference in anyone's life, but when seeds are planted, they can often grow, even in the harshest conditions. So this is my seed. Let's see how it grows.
****Please do NOT rep me for this or for anything I post in this thread. I'm not seeking to gain anything from this, other than to just hopefully spread some smiles and warmth. If you'd like to show appreciation of any kind, pass along something that makes you smile, too, and see if you can't spread the joy. ****
*For those who don't know, with a paid monthly donation to the site, you can get access to the private Clubhouse forum.
