Keep on the Sunny Side

Peonies that were in bloom when we first moved in.

I think about what I want to say on this blog a lot; I look at it as my own therapeutic voice.  I catch myself thinking, "Hmm, I should blog about that..." then I form eloquently stated blogs in my head at random times, like while trying to fall asleep or as I go about by mundane day.  Sadly, a lot of them don't make it on here because I usually forget what it was I was going to say or just don't make the time to say it.  (I know, say hello to my ADD, it's my Jekyl and Hyde, sometimes good and sometimes evil.)

Other times, I sensor myself, thinking perhaps I shouldn't say this or that, it might hurt someone's feelings or be taken the wrong way, but...  it's my blog after all, so stop reading when I offend you.  Although chances are, you'll be shaking your head in agreement and wanting to say, "Amen sister!' or at least that's what I like to imagine.

So, here's what's been on my mind lately.  I'm thinking of deactivating facebook.  I say this all the time, and I never have been a huge fan.  I'm tired of reading people's statuses that are complaining about something in some way shape or form.  Now I'll admit, it's nice to keep in touch with people you otherwise wouldn't keep in touch with and some people get on facebook to share exciting news, like job promotions, graduations and baby announcements, but I see a lot of useless complaining.

So, let's be frank.  Here's what stirred the thought within me.  There's one particular person who seems to always be complaining, whether it's the town she lives in that she hates, what people around have said or done or fed someone, or some other something.  (Yes, I'm attempting to keep some semblance of anonymity.)  Point being, why are people always complaining, and seemingly to me, usually women.  When did my generation become a generation of e-complaining?  Or has it always been that way and I just never noticed?

Anyway, I'm not even attempting to say I'm perfect or that I don't whine and complain from time to time.  But, I do try my best to keep it to a minimum.

But finally really getting to the point, when did we stop appreciating all that we have?  Shouldn't we be grateful that our kids get to eat at all, whether or not you agree with what someone fed them? And I know we can't send all our extra food to Africa or the Philippines or wherever, but shouldn't we be grateful we even have extra food to spare?

I use to keep a gratitude journal, which I've been newly motivated to restart.  We have much to be grateful for: running water, food, shelter, the basic necessities, even the right to marry those we love (at least for some of us).  I have so much more than that to be grateful for.  My birthday is coming up, and I don't have to think, can we afford to buy a cake to celebrate?  When was the last time you thought about people who couldn't afford an indulgence like a birthday cake?  Sometimes it's all in how you look at things, are you complaining about being pricked by thorns or enjoying the lovely smell of roses?

Ok, I'll try to step down a little from the soap box.  (But just a little...)  Just remember Keep on the Sunny Side...


P.S.  I just realized I wrote a blog complaining about people who complain.  Oh the irony...