I chose the second line of the Optimist Creed as my greeting for a happy new year in 2014. You see, so often when we speak to friends, we discuss issues of poor circumstances and instead of sharing the positive, we languish in the woe.
How much better would life be if we chose instead to look at the sunny side? I understand that it isn't always realistic to do so; sometimes we have to share disturbing or sad news. However, when we have obstacles we also have to get over them and this promise reminds us to do so. It's a matter of perspective.
Over the holidays, two friends lost members of their family. Both of those lost were in their 80s and had lived long, full lives. One friend wrote on their Facebook page about his loved one's accomplishments and how he would miss them. Friends reached out with comments of concern and shared stories of their own.
The other friend wrote that her grandma had died more in passing. It was clear that the second person was grieving, but without sharing a positive story, it was difficult to give comfort. I felt to do so would intrude into a personal space and "I am sorry for your loss" seemed so insignificant.
Celebrations of life are important even on our Facebook page, but it is even more important to celebrate our lives every day, in real life, in the real world. That begins by sharing stories of happiness, working for good health and reaching for the indelible wealth of a good life.
Say hello to 2014. Now you know what to do next.