#169: Positive Attitude?

We all know that times are tough. The old saying, "When the going gets tough, the tough get going" is inspirational as far as it goes but having an upbeat, positive attitude every minute of every day is sometimes an insurmountable task.

I consider myself a positive person. Oh, sure, I have down periods, even depressing times, but those times don't last long. I figured out a while back that being in a bad mood does nothing to change situations and does not help uplift me or those with whom I come into contact.

Tonight I felt myself slipping into a feeling of despair, because times are truly tough right now. I called one of the two most positive friends in my life, Chris, who, if he were in the middle of a hurricane would look around and say, "But doesn't the breeze feel good?" We talked a while and as we did I felt my feeling of gloom lift and soon I was back to normal. I appreciate that he took time to lend an ear and offer encouragement.

Do you have people in your life you turn to when things seem overwhelming? Do you bounce back quickly from bad moods and down times? Do you agree that even good moods and positive thinking don't necessarily change things but do make accepting the bad fortunes easier?

I can't imagine living a life of constant despair. Perhaps some people do not believe in a higher power but it seems to me that not being grounded in something much greater than ourselves has to be a most depressing way to live.

So, here's to the return of a positive attitude and a hope that you, too, realize that being happy is much more satisfying than living in the pit of hopelessness.