These are some uncertain times. There are threats from viruses, global warming, political ads, and the rising costs of red delicious apples. It is hard not to see the doom and gloom that is being shared all over the news and on social media.
It’s true I can limit the impact of it all by simply looking away. It doesn’t fix everything, but it can temporarily take my mind off of my fears. Personally, all I have to do is literally look away and look out my living room window to see my neighbor’s chihuahua leaving a “gift” for me on my lawn. I can get mad and scold the dog through my window, or I can see it as an opportunity to go outside, get some fresh air, and keep my pitching arm in shape as I scoop the poop and throw it over the fence into its rightful place on the owner’s porch swing.
Even when I seek to find the good in each day, I am constantly being tested. Life is that pessimistic teacher glaring at its students hoping to fail as many as possible. Despite this, I choose to be the student that brings this teacher an apple of good cheer, or a roll of toilet paper since I now have a good supply.
Just the other day I took a trip to my local hardware store, and I somehow brought home a case of rabies along with my vegetable seeds. The doctor, who happened to sneeze on me during my appointment, confirmed that there were two small puncture wounds on my neck that mysteriously infected me.
“Bless you,” was my first response as I kindly wiped his snot off my face. “Oh well,” was my response on the matter of the rabies. I choose to think of it as a unique close encounter with the unknown and I feel pretty excited to experience the rabies, too.
Occasionally, I have opportunities to remind others of how great their life is and can be. I once walked past a man sitting on the side of the road holding a sign that read he was inquiring about money to help his unfortunate situation. I stopped in my tracks and gave the man my words, which will have more meaning than any amount of money. I told him to never give up on asking people for what he feels he deserves. I also told him his situation could be much worse and that he could have thousands of dollars in student loan debt, like I currently do.
I ended my wisdom by patting him on the shoulder, and gave him a friendly smile as he looked either confused or stunned by this epiphany. I also left with him a FAFSA form (I carry them around with me and pass them out as part of my lifetime loan agreement).
You too can find many things in your life that can become empowering moments of joy. Instead of feeling sorrow when finding your pet fish dead in its tank, use the opportunity to put on one hell of a fish funeral by cooking it up. Savor each bite and know that by never having underfed the fish, you are reaping your reward. When life squirts lemon juice in your eyes, make lemon-peppered fish.
Don’t look at your car accident as a harrowing near-death experience, but rather see it as the moment when you walked away from one epic moment of destruction like an action movie star. Yes, you too could be an incredible demolition derby driver. Even when your insurance premium goes up, just know that you are now worth more than you originally thought.
I, for one, refuse to let life get me down. I choose to remain optimistic, and you can too. If you are looking to help someone out, don’t hesitate – just go for it. There are plenty of ways to help. For example, you can send me cash, a money order, apples, and/or a labrador puppy (once my rabies infection has diminished) to help me get through these trying days.
I am confident that you will do the right thing and make my life better, which will probably make yours greater, too.