It’s a pretty crazy world out there. Yesterday was Friday the 13th and (though neither of them believe in the meaning of such things), both my mom and dad came home regaling a series of unfortunate events involving unexpectedly odd amounts of crazy. Their stories were incredibly different, yet one thing bound them together. Negativity. Not enough money. Not enough time. Not enough heart to practice common courtesy around others.
Mom would never have expected that nicely dressed elderly woman to literally push another woman out of the way over a bar of luxury bath soap. But it happened. Dad didn’t believe his eyes when he witnessed a near hit-and-run accident in the parking lot over a spot that was literally five feet away from the next closest spot. Wherever that person was going sure must have been important.
Regardless of the source, this negativity thing is like it’s very own breed of pollution. Its own unique type of noise that keeps us from hearing the music. And it sneaks up on you in the oddest of ways to tear away at your resolve. To bring you down. And ultimately to make you weak. It’s all so frustrating to me. I would much rather be strong. And I can be, when I am armed with the most powerful weapon.
Optimism keeps me strong. As milk is to bones, optimism is to my soul. So when I think about what can be done to reverse the pollution in our society, I think it comes down to us. The fighters. The people who resolve to retain a positive outlook amidst life’s most challenging curve balls.
“Negativity is an addiction to the bleak shadow that lingers around every human form,” proposed Irish poet John O’Donohue. “You can transfigure negativity by turning it toward the light of your soul.”
It can be pretty crazy out there. It’s enough to make me second guess my occasional bitterness that I am not allowed to accompany my people to literally everywhere outside our forever home. But negativity has no place in my home, nor out there in the world. Because the real world is what we make it, not what it tells us it should be.
Wiley's Wisdom 
Atta boy, Wiley! Look at your strong stance in that photo! Snowflakes won’t melt on that nose! Today, I was driving on the freeway – this is actually pretty funny – and the car on my left decided to cross over without signaling, so I sped up so we wouldn’t crash – I’d have dropped back, but that wasn’t a choice… Sure enough, he crossed into the lane over on my right and sped up – I looked over and he was a bit older than I / me and oh, the very fiercest of glares – literally, right out of central casting. Made me laugh and say a prayer for him. Best ~ HuntMode
Oh my dear goodness! That story gave me a heart attack not that unlike what I’ve done to you with my stories of Demon Dog. I’m so glad your reflexes/instincts proved correct and everything is okay. And your response to things is an inspiration. I’ll say a prayer for him too. 🙂
Lots of love,
Wyles
Hi there, I’m feeling very cheery and chirpy again tonight and I just wanted to let you know that I’ve nominated you for another Blog of the Year 2013 One Star for your Award. My post will be published this evening at around 7.00pm Australian Time. Congratulations to you for a creating a truly Wonderful Blog. Kidazzleink.com
Yay! I love chirps and cheer! Thank you for thinking of me friend!!!
You’re most welcome.
So true, Wiles. The real world is what we make it. That includes our reactions to the people operating in negativity. I always feel compassion for people who are rushing or inconsiderate or miserable as they move through the world. I’m pretty sure they don’t have a cheerful doggie waiting at home for them….
Love and licks,
Cupcake
No surprise here, but I think you’re spot on in identifying at least part of the problem. A house is not a home without a dog like us. Lots of love to you and Mom,
Wiles
I agree with you Wiley, and it is up to us to bring more kindness and love into this world. If it is seen from others people might imitate and be kind too. Negativity does not get anyone anywhere but makes things harder. GLad you live in a positive home where optimism and love rule.
Keep smiling and bring the kindess out to the people Wiley!
Good begets good I think. That’s why I love finding new ways to paw things forward. All kinds of joy and love to you, dear one!
They say christmastime is peaceful and a time of contemplation….and than they fight for a soap bar or a toaster. Sometimes the real world is more surreal.
Surreal indeed. Otherwise known as sad. Good thing we’re around to set the record straight. 🙂
Reblogged this on Wiley's Wisdom and commented:
It’s an addiction all it’s own.