Some of you know that I recently had an unfortunate family situation arise. So, over the past 2 weeks I have been trying to process and deal with that. I actually did write a post in my brief stint away, but my husband thought it was best that I kept that particular rant to myself. I was in a dark, angry place at the time- so that is probably a good idea. There also may have been a lot of f-bombs in that one...
Since then, I have been trying to really focus on the positives in life. I do firmly believe that a positive outlook can do wonders for one's health and soul. Although I have this newfound goal of positivity, I am still continuously reminded that there is no such thing as an all-inclusive, perfectly positive, "yay is me" attitude (at least without the help of some really good drugs). It's like the resorts where you can eat and drink all you want and soak up the fabulous rays; but, you will eventually have to come back to reality. And yes, you can have your cake, and you can eat it too; but, that does not mean you won't get fat.
Trust me- I know that it can be really difficult to stay positive at times. I know that somedays when it rains, it monsoons.
A recent example, not of a monsoon, but a super shitty moment... Yesterday, when I was having a not great day already- I had finally sat down to eat lunch, with my newly filled (apparently very large?) glass of water... which I promptly knocked over. Water poured all over my plate of food, my phone, my computer, the tv remote, my book, a sketchbook, another notepad, some pens, some mail, some jewelry, and possibly the most upsetting victim of the flash flood- my US Weekly Magazine. As I watched the water overtaking the countertop, spilling over the side, and waterfalling down onto the floor, I became transfixed. With TLC's Don't Go Chasing Waterfalls playing softly in my head I just sat there and stared. Initially, I was simply amazed at how much shit I could even have in one place. And, how did that cup physically hold that much water? Where is all of it coming from? It was like the clowns that continuously emerge from that stupid tiny car. I looked up to the ceiling to verify there was no leak where additional water might be flowing from. Finally, thanks to my son asking "mommy, what dis mess?" I snapped out of it and started drying things off. Naturally, I ran out of paper towels and nailed my head on the underside of the counter in the process. This led to more water flowing... this time, from my eyes.
Yes, some moments, some days, some weeks.... really just suck. So, I have recently started making my own positive moments occur. Screw waiting for them. At this rate, I could easily be miserable for the rest of my life. But, I am not going to take the easy way out and dwell in my misery, waiting on this so-called "positivity" to maybe find me. I am choosing to create a different, more positive take on life.
The Little Things
A recent example, not of a monsoon, but a super shitty moment... Yesterday, when I was having a not great day already- I had finally sat down to eat lunch, with my newly filled (apparently very large?) glass of water... which I promptly knocked over. Water poured all over my plate of food, my phone, my computer, the tv remote, my book, a sketchbook, another notepad, some pens, some mail, some jewelry, and possibly the most upsetting victim of the flash flood- my US Weekly Magazine. As I watched the water overtaking the countertop, spilling over the side, and waterfalling down onto the floor, I became transfixed. With TLC's Don't Go Chasing Waterfalls playing softly in my head I just sat there and stared. Initially, I was simply amazed at how much shit I could even have in one place. And, how did that cup physically hold that much water? Where is all of it coming from? It was like the clowns that continuously emerge from that stupid tiny car. I looked up to the ceiling to verify there was no leak where additional water might be flowing from. Finally, thanks to my son asking "mommy, what dis mess?" I snapped out of it and started drying things off. Naturally, I ran out of paper towels and nailed my head on the underside of the counter in the process. This led to more water flowing... this time, from my eyes.
Yes, some moments, some days, some weeks.... really just suck. So, I have recently started making my own positive moments occur. Screw waiting for them. At this rate, I could easily be miserable for the rest of my life. But, I am not going to take the easy way out and dwell in my misery, waiting on this so-called "positivity" to maybe find me. I am choosing to create a different, more positive take on life.
The Little Things
One thing that makes me happy is when I can make someone else happy. Just by doing something little. Such as, waiting an extra 5 seconds for a mom with a new baby to unload her groceries so that I can take her cart back for her, in the rain. Shoot, it made me cry once when someone did it for me. I know it will at least put a smile on her face. Unless she's a total b*tch.
Or, letting the aggressive old lady at the grocery store go in front of me in the checkout line... Yes ma'am, I know you have 3 times more crap in your cart than me... and I have a toddler in tow... and I know you are going to whip out that checkbook to pay... and then you will update your check register as the line behind you grows. But, you go ahead. I am just going to have to change this poop in my kid's diaper when I get home anyways, so take your time.
Ok, yes I know both of these references are at the grocery store. But, alas, it is my second home. And, yes I know that I still have a long way to go to be a "positive person." My point is- these little things for other people, that I have been trying to take advantage of when they arise, have helped to make my day a little better. Just, these silly, little things...
Maybe Humanity is Not Totally, Completely Screwed
Along with creating a few positives in my life, I am also constantly reminding myself of my recent realization regarding humanity. (I will call this RRRH.) These past 2 weeks, I've rediscovered how amazing people can be. Something, that I did not even realize I had forgotten.
The outreach of support our family has received has been beyond incredible. We had more food then we could physically consume, more prayers than we could believe, cards, flowers, you name it... and we were so grateful for it all.
Along with food, I personally also had people helping out with my dogs, my son, and even my wine supply.
And, whether you believe in prayer or not- I can guarantee that you would feel pretty damn good knowing you had all those people backing you up. It is an amazing thing when that many people join together and focus their attention to your wellbeing.
People who reached out to show their support, really did more good than they can imagine. Knowing that they care enough to go out of their way and make an effort to comfort you is an incredible gesture. It is something they did not have to do. I am sure that they have plenty of other things to do with their time. But, they chose to dedicate some of their time to us. Sure, there are those who are just nosy and want to be in the know. But, most people are really just good. It has actually somewhat restored my faith in humanity. For awhile there... I was pretty sure 99.9% of the population was going to hell in a hand basket.
Now That's Amore
I also have been amazed at how much one person can be so loved. I can only hope to have 1/5 of the kind comments my family member has received, be said about me one day. Calls, cards, visitors, even friends driving hours just to see him and give him a hug and express their love in person. To know that you have impacted that many people in such a profound way must be a tremendously good feeling. (Not to mention, he probably did not even have to initially make a conscious effort to do kind things [like myself at the moment] to have received these kind words.)
My Positivity Challenge/Reminder
I challenge you to try to do a nice gesture to someone, especially on your shitty day. Make your day and someone else's day a little less shitty. Even if it is not happening naturally, make an effort. Put a tip in the jar that you have forever pretended not to see. Tell someone who is struggling that is okay, and heaven forbid- even offer them help! Donate your insane amount of crap that you have not used in years to a good cause. Donate your money. Donate your time. Find something. Do something.
I know that this is in no way some new miraculous phenomenon- to be nice to people. But, sometimes you need a reminder to just do something nice for someone. This is your reminder. Because, it is easy to forget when you're going through your shitty day, just how important that nice gesture can be. And, it will make your shitty day a little better and one day you might find yourself in a position of needing to be on the receiving end of a similar gesture.
These past two weeks has forever changed me. And, although I did not see it coming- I think it actually changed me for the better. I am trying to focus on the positives, even when they seem to be nonexistent. It has helped me to forget the old, stupid shit that had been weighing me down and that was preventing me from being a better person. It has made me want to be a better person. I now appreciate life, and everyone in it, more than I ever have.
Now- go do something nice,
Katie
*For you lazy asses, you can just click on the links below:
National Brain Tumor Societyhttp://braintumor.org/
Cancer Research Institutehttp://www.cancerresearch.org/giving-to-cri/ways-to-give
Or, letting the aggressive old lady at the grocery store go in front of me in the checkout line... Yes ma'am, I know you have 3 times more crap in your cart than me... and I have a toddler in tow... and I know you are going to whip out that checkbook to pay... and then you will update your check register as the line behind you grows. But, you go ahead. I am just going to have to change this poop in my kid's diaper when I get home anyways, so take your time.
Ok, yes I know both of these references are at the grocery store. But, alas, it is my second home. And, yes I know that I still have a long way to go to be a "positive person." My point is- these little things for other people, that I have been trying to take advantage of when they arise, have helped to make my day a little better. Just, these silly, little things...
Maybe Humanity is Not Totally, Completely Screwed
Along with creating a few positives in my life, I am also constantly reminding myself of my recent realization regarding humanity. (I will call this RRRH.) These past 2 weeks, I've rediscovered how amazing people can be. Something, that I did not even realize I had forgotten.
The outreach of support our family has received has been beyond incredible. We had more food then we could physically consume, more prayers than we could believe, cards, flowers, you name it... and we were so grateful for it all.
Along with food, I personally also had people helping out with my dogs, my son, and even my wine supply.
 |
| A text, from an amazing friend who picked up my son from school, took him to pray for his family, and kept him overnight for us. Words can never express our thanks. But... I will try with wine. ;) |
And, whether you believe in prayer or not- I can guarantee that you would feel pretty damn good knowing you had all those people backing you up. It is an amazing thing when that many people join together and focus their attention to your wellbeing.
People who reached out to show their support, really did more good than they can imagine. Knowing that they care enough to go out of their way and make an effort to comfort you is an incredible gesture. It is something they did not have to do. I am sure that they have plenty of other things to do with their time. But, they chose to dedicate some of their time to us. Sure, there are those who are just nosy and want to be in the know. But, most people are really just good. It has actually somewhat restored my faith in humanity. For awhile there... I was pretty sure 99.9% of the population was going to hell in a hand basket.
Now That's Amore
I also have been amazed at how much one person can be so loved. I can only hope to have 1/5 of the kind comments my family member has received, be said about me one day. Calls, cards, visitors, even friends driving hours just to see him and give him a hug and express their love in person. To know that you have impacted that many people in such a profound way must be a tremendously good feeling. (Not to mention, he probably did not even have to initially make a conscious effort to do kind things [like myself at the moment] to have received these kind words.)
My Positivity Challenge/Reminder
I challenge you to try to do a nice gesture to someone, especially on your shitty day. Make your day and someone else's day a little less shitty. Even if it is not happening naturally, make an effort. Put a tip in the jar that you have forever pretended not to see. Tell someone who is struggling that is okay, and heaven forbid- even offer them help! Donate your insane amount of crap that you have not used in years to a good cause. Donate your money. Donate your time. Find something. Do something.
I know that this is in no way some new miraculous phenomenon- to be nice to people. But, sometimes you need a reminder to just do something nice for someone. This is your reminder. Because, it is easy to forget when you're going through your shitty day, just how important that nice gesture can be. And, it will make your shitty day a little better and one day you might find yourself in a position of needing to be on the receiving end of a similar gesture.
These past two weeks has forever changed me. And, although I did not see it coming- I think it actually changed me for the better. I am trying to focus on the positives, even when they seem to be nonexistent. It has helped me to forget the old, stupid shit that had been weighing me down and that was preventing me from being a better person. It has made me want to be a better person. I now appreciate life, and everyone in it, more than I ever have.
Now- go do something nice,
Katie
*For you lazy asses, you can just click on the links below:
National Brain Tumor Societyhttp://braintumor.org/
Cancer Research Institutehttp://www.cancerresearch.org/giving-to-cri/ways-to-give
No comments:
Post a Comment