Monday, March 10, 2014

A Counterpoint - 3/10/2014

A lady I know on Facebook posted today about the power of positive thinking. And I do agree with her. Thinking in positive, upbeat terms about the world does help. It helps you live a stronger, happier life.

But there are those of us for whom those dark, negative thoughts aren't optional. There are those of us for whom that thread of seeing the negative side of the world and commenting on it is part of who and what we are.

I am such a person. When presented with a positive situation, I will, reflexively, find the dark cloud that goes with the silver lining. This is not something I choose, this is not something I can avoid or let go of. It is part of my perspective, part of the way that I see the universe. It is as much a part of who I am as is my humor, my words, my name.

If you deal with such a person, if there is someone you know who will always find the darkness in the brightest, sweetest lights, remember that for some of us, there is no other choice. It does not mean we don't see and appreciate the good things. It does not mean that we want to tear down the joys you feel. It simply means that this is part of what we see in life. Part of our perspective and understanding is the darkness of loss, failure and disaster.

Ironically, many of us also tend to see the brightness in those losses, failures and disasters just as well as we see the black streaks running through life. For me, at least, it is simply, always, seeing the other side of the coin, good or bad, and saying what I see.

If one can choose one's thoughts, one should choose bright and beautiful ones. But not all of us can do so. So think this bright and beautiful thought about me and those like me. That we continue. That we, despite our seeming obsession with the darkness, walk on, and do find light amongst our shadows.


349

No comments:

Post a Comment