Sometimes I am accused of being pathologically positive, like Pollyanna from the 1960 Disney movie. Is this a compliment or a criticism? I wasn’t sure so I rented the movie. I remember as a child liking the movie. It seems that when I got older, I joined in with the other popular opinions that it was just corny and, well, pollyannaish. Watching it this time, I really paid attention to what Pollyanna was doing in light of my positive psychology practice. Here is a kid who was orphaned at an age when she could understand what was going on. Unquestionably a huge and painful adversity. Her father had been a minister, and taught her a game that she liked to play whenever something difficult or unpleasant was happening – the glad game. The game is that you intentionally look for something to be glad about related to your situation. It is…
I just finished another book that inspired me to have a fresh appreciation for the simple things in life. It is called Wanting More by Mark Chamberlain. At one point he mentioned the little message at the bottom of your rear view mirror that says “OBJECTS IN MIRROR ARE CLOSER THAN THEY APPEAR”. We often overlook the simple quality of many of the “everyday” things in our world. Perhaps they should all have a sign that reads, “OBJECTS IN VIEW ARE BETTER THAN THEY APPEAR”. loans with bad crdit Appreciate the simple things in your life!
This weekend is Mother’s Day. It is also the time for a funeral for a neighbor of mine. For both of these events, people will bring flowers. I was having a chat with a good friend of mine last week about how sometimes we give the least to those who matter most. He shared a story about a friend of his who died before he really was able to express his love and appreciation. “Give em flowers while they’re living!” is Dino’s advice. What a gift our life and relationships are. Don’t be so caught up in the stuff of your life, that you fail to connect with the ones who mean the most to you.