Just Call MeLittle Miss Sunshine

Remember my post last Tuesday about accentuating the positive? I want to explain why I wrote that post. You see, last Monday was a really awful day for me, but being a glass half full kind of person, that post was my way of trying to find a positive moment in an otherwise unpleasant day. It was my way of nudging those of you who recognize the Debbie's out there (or maybe the Debbie in the mirror) and letting them know that attitude is everything. Maybe, just maybe, someone would re-evaluate what constitutes a reason to complain and what is something that is in their control if they are willing to recognize the fact that they have the choice to act.

So today, Little Miss Sunshine (that would be me!) is going to tell you why I was so down on Monday and why I'm not going to let it get the best of me:

Problem: My son was in a car accident a week prior. He totaled his car. While we look for a new car I have to drive him to and from school 4 days each week, a total of 2 hours each day.

My attitude: He came out of that accident with only minor scrapes on his arms. If you saw the condition of that car you would never believe that no injuries occurred. (God bless the creator of the air bag!) A car can be replaced, a child can't. I get to spend 2 hours talking with my teenage son 4 days each week.



Problem: My oldest brother is in a hospice facility dying of lung cancer and his condition is declining on a regular basis. While visiting that day he was having difficulty with short term memory. He couldn't recall what you had said just seconds before. He couldn't remember his own name.

My Attitude: He has already lived 6 weeks longer than the best case scenario. He and I have become extremely close in the 10 months since his diagnosis. He has a wonderful support system of loving friends and family to provide comfort in his final days. The staff at the hospice facility is top notch, I can't say enough about the quality of care he is receiving. They are able to control his physical pain.


Problem: I found out Monday that my favorite uncle, who is like my second father, was just re-diagnosed with a brain tumor.

My Attitude: I am so fortunate that he was part of my life. He has lived for 71 years, had a loving marriage, has 3 wonderful children and 3 beautiful and healthy grandchildren who adore him. He had a successful career and has a multitude of friends and family members who are there for him. He led a full life.


In addition to those situations, on Monday I learned that:

-My niece, had two suitcases of her belongings stolen on her first day of college. This is a young lady who worked part time jobs, took every honors class available and exhausted every avenue to help her land the scholarships she would need to afford college.

-My in-laws had to unexpectedly put their dog to sleep.

-My son called an old friend to say hello and was informed that a mutual friend from their childhood has a substance abuse problem and his parents are trying to get him into a rehab facility. (Try explaining to a 19 year old boy that good kids from loving families can get caught up in bad situations and that even those who care the most can't always prevent them from making mistakes.)

Yes, Monday was a pretty rotten day. Really bad things happened to really good people. When you realize that there are people dealing with the knowledge that they will soon die or that there are loving, involved parents who have to wake up in the morning and wonder what they could have done differently to prevent their child from turning to drugs, your problems seem minor in comparison. I know that's how I feel. So when I see someone day after day after day complaining about their perceived problems, issues that are, in actuality, completely in their power to change, I can't empathize. If someone chooses again and again to buy junk food or not make time for exercise or eat an entire pan of brownies, I don't want to hear about those things. I choose not to follow those types of blogs. I'm sure there will be a few who won't want to follow mine given that they won't find sympathy from me. I'm okay with that, actually, I'm more than okay with that. I want to surround myself with positivity and find the good in even the worst situations. Can I get an "Amen, sister!"?



If you feel the same way that I do, may I suggest My Journey to Healthy Living written by Barbara. I love the way Barbara finds joy in the simple things that life has to offer. It's always uplifting to read her posts.