Sunday, March 13, 2011

Say Something Positive!

It’s not polite to eavesdrop, but sometimes it’s just too easy. I had an appointment today. While waiting for my turn and perusing a magazine, I couldn’t help but hear a one-sided conversation between two women. I listened for at least ten minutes and did not hear one positive statement!
That’s disturbing.

The conversation began with the terrible things that are going on in Japan. The massive earthquake, the aftershocks and reports of a damaged nuclear plant releasing radiation are definitely bad things. We all agree it’s dreadful and we are praying for the people involved; if asked, we can donate money, food or clothing, but that’s about all we can do. Only God can save these people. We are told to pray and then have faith that He will work everything out for the best. And He will, in His way and His timing. 

As if that weren’t enough bad news, the lady continued, “California will slip into the ocean one of these days,” and without taking a breath, “and the earth is slipping off its axis. That’s all we need!” I kept listening for just a hint of something good thrown into the conversation, but it didn’t come. Next, I heard, “Janet is in the hospital; she’s been in there 22 days. It doesn’t look like she’ll ever get out!”  Sigh!

“I tell you, if you’re not sick when you go in, you are when you come out,” she said. “I hate hospitals. I just don’t go! Most doctors don’t know what they’re doing anyway. They kill more people than they save!”

Here we sit on a beautiful, sunny March day, thought I, safe in our wonderful country, and this lady can’t find one positive thing to say. I was hoping to hear something like, “Isn’t it a beautiful day?” Or, I’m so grateful to live in this country where we don’t have to worry about things like earthquakes and tsunamis!” But she finally left without saying any of those things. 

A famous TV personality and author of many books says, “Where the mind goes, the man follows.” I love that quote and it’s so true! If we dwell on only bad things, we invite more bad things to come into our lives. We must try to live in a positive environment. I agree it’s very difficult at times, but after you do all you can do, it’s best to try to be happy and let those around you do the same. Our time here is so short. We should live it one day at a time, gathering as much joy from each as we possibly can. We certainly can’t be joyful if we sit around talking about bad things all the time. 

If we start each day by counting our blessings, we won't have the time to upset ourselves or others with continuous negativity. 


5 comments:

joann said...

You are so right peggy. If more people thought like you this would be a better world. keep telling people things like this. they seem to be listening to you.
joann

Anonymous said...

Yes! I get so tired of people like that. Always the bearers of bad news. Thanks for telling them peg.

sam said...

Go peg! on the soapbox aren't you?
I like it. sam

Anonymous said...

I hear people like that all the time. The best thing to do when someone starts complaining about something is to say something good.They either agree with you and change the tone of the conversation or they find an excuse to get away from you and find someone else who'll listen to their complaints.. because that's what they do!

patti said...

I agree. some people get up in the morning and grab the newpaper to see what bad thing can be the topic of their conversation that day. I know someone who does that.