1989 was the worst year of my life.
For many reasons.
And that’s remained true – until 2022.
Which was quite as bad, in several ways.
Maybe worse!
Still, as it winds down to a close, I have mixed feelings about the year that’s gone by.
I’m stronger.
From facing severe challenges. And overcoming them. Being in tight spots. And wriggling out – hurt, yet unscarred.
I’m wiser.
From learning through experience. And seeing things I’d blinded myself to. Also, thinking them through more carefully.
I’m hopeful.
From observing reactions – my own, as well as others – to one crisis after another. NB: Most people are good. Kind. Helpful. And caring.
I’m grateful.
To realize that many of these nice people are in my own life. And that Lady Luck still smiles upon me.
I’m determined.
To keep growing. And never give up. To change what isn’t working. And adapt to altered circumstances. To stay flexible. And be nimble.
All of this stems from a single root.
A deep, strong, steady root. It anchors me tight – and secures me.
OPTIMISM.
It’s a root I’ve nurtured for over forty years.
Religiously and rigorously. Carefully and continuously. By thought, word and deed.
- By reading the right kind of books.
- By listening to the right kind of people.
- By keeping only the right kind of influences around.
And by staying aware of things that affect it, weaken it, threaten it… and then ruthlessly weeding them out.
It’s why I’m still an optimist.
Listen, there are only two ways to live.
One is as if nothing is a miracle.
The other is… as if everything is.
I made my choice early.
☺️
As my favorite Robert Frost poem goes, these
“Two roads diverged in a wood, and
I took the one less traveled by…
And that has made all the difference.”
Yes.
ALL the difference!
🙏
P.S. – Want one ‘optimistic’ book recommendation?
Here you go. It’s a kiddies’ book. I first read it 50 years ago. And still keep a copy in my bookshelf.
It’s called ‘The Little Engine That Could‘ by Watty Piper.
And it will take you 10 minutes to read…if you’re a slow reader! 🤣
Grab it on Amazon here: click. Or get the paperback edition here: click
Who knows?
It might turn you into a die-hard optimist, too 🤔
🙏