Usually, I am a glass-half-full kind of guy who tries to see the silver lining in most situations, as it’s all a matter of attitude and opinion anyway. We all have times we complain about some things that are serious life issues, and some are just part of life.
Examples: Embrace the work, especially the challenging parts, and reflect on your childhood memories. Think about the excitement of a snow day, the serene beauty of a winter landscape, building snowmen, or sledding down hills. Tap into your inner entrepreneur as a kid who made money shoveling snow and clearing cars. Enjoy hot chocolate by the fireside or spend quality time playing board games with family and/or friends.
Example: It rained on a beautiful pool day, or the day we got married, or it was cold and windy on our vacation. Though these things can certainly put a damper on the day, they should never interfere with your enjoyment of the moment and the memory. The above and the like are minor compared to other life challenges.
Example: Throughout my years of work, I have had the pleasure and opportunity to collaborate with various non-profit organizations, including MDA, Variety Club, Ronald McDonald House, Susan G. Komen, and The Gift of Life Organization (which raises awareness for organ donation). Each of these organizations deserves recognition for its efforts to make the world a better place.
It’s heart-wrenching to witness these families’ daily struggles, and I always strive to maintain a strong demeanor to support them during our brief interactions. My goal is to help improve their lives, instill a sense of hope, and treat them with utmost respect, as their families are on a journey that demands round-the-clock commitment—24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year—on top of managing their daily livelihoods.
In the words of my good friend Tom, who served in the Vietnam War and saw the worst of life’s tragedies, and I quote, “Anyone here in America who would complain about anything should be struck with lightning!”
Point to Ponder: Thank God! By being Kind, Grateful, Forgiving, Compassionate, Patient, and Understanding. As my wife constantly reminds me, ” We don’t know what news, the kind of day, or personal battles of the people that pass us each day have going on in their lives.”
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