On Optimism

[Seven07]

I'm not a celebrity-enthusiast, but I do acknowledge there is a world of actors and actresses whose lives are very public.  As a child of the 80's, Michael J. Fox was a big star in my life; and it was alarming to hear he had Parkinson's way back when the illness was made public.  I am watching his documentary right now on Fox, and it is nice to hear from him after all this time.  He has aged well despite the Parkinson's.  He seems like a good hearted, nice person.  I like what he has to say.  He's really no more handsome than say maybe, Alec Baldwin..  ok well maybe yes he is!! :)  But his personality makes him a much more attractive person.

I am too, incurable optimist.  I have been down and out many times in my life but dwelling on the negative or just sitting on your hands doesn't produce a solution.  Looking at the world through "rose colored an glasses" doesn't either, but if I have to choose between being in a sour mood or being in a upbeat mood and going through adversity, I choose to be upbeat (as much as I can).  (I know I may seem to some to be frequently unhappy or sometimes pessimistic, but really I am under a lot of stress and I'm not choosing to be this way. I am trying really hard to make things better. It is hard when things are out of your control. especially when things are dependant upon another person.)

I have realized the choices I make for myself, the choices I make for my daughter are ones to increase her chances for happiness.  Isn't that what we all really want for our children?  (Or most of us)  I am going to "brainwash" her from the ways of the world, I'll ask her to think of others--to learn the Golden Rule and use it.  I'll teach her how to outsmart impostors who pose as friends (or pop media!!) but only pressure her to forget her morals..  I'll teach her how to protect herself while being sensitive, and when to just put her hands up and walk away.  And hopefully, what I teach her about life will help her learn to take her falls in stride and to get back up.  I hope she learns it's not the failing that really sets you back, but it's how you react.  I hope she learns early in life what I didn't learn until later.  I hope she's persistent in going for her goals, I hope she doesn't let anyone tell her she can't, and I hope she sees the good in life and goes for it.  No matter what she does, I hope she is happy when she does it.  I want her to be self-sufficient, but I want her to live a happy life.  I want her to know that success is not measured by a bank account or external beauty, but by the happiness in her own heart.

[ILuvMyBoys07]

May. 8, 2009 at 7:03 AM

Great journal!