Today is the greatest!

 

If only we all could have this much enthusiasm!  I LOVE this picture for so many reasons!  Have you ever seen HAPPY?  Well, you have now! 

 

I hate to admit this, but mood can be easily influenced.  If a friend or co-worker is having a bad day...well that makes two of us!  If there is excitement in the air, well, we're all a buzz.  Today, we are inundated with messages not just from friends and family, but also from tv, radio, Internet, and print.  The sad thing is that most of what we are exposed to is negativity!  How on earth can we teach our children to be grateful, joyful, and positive if we cannot model these virtues ourselves?

 

After years of reading, experience, therapy et al., I have found that there is so much joy and wonder in what we often find mundane or tedious.  Maybe it's from my kids...they can find joy and amazement in a balloon or cardboard box.  For me, I try to remember that taking out the trash gives me an opportunity to go outside and get fresh air.  Making the bed isn't much fun, but it makes me feel great when it is done.  Each experience presents us with a choice.  Will it be met with a positive attitude and enthusiasm or negativity and dread?  It is our choice!  I think a lot of people have forgotten that we have a choice...  For me, for now, I am working hard to remind my kids, family, and community that this life is what we make it.  Or maybe it's really my kids reminding ME! 

 

And each and every day, I wonder, "Are we there yet?"...not today, but getting closer!