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This photo is a result of an internet app that lets you customize the things that are currently on your “poop list” as my Mom would say, as presented by everybody’s favorite political genius Stephen Colbert. So those things are the things that make me want to rant as of right now.
Karen over at Chookooloonks blogs about “Why I Don’t B*tch” and I have been thinking about this topic alot lately. The last several months as I moved into the reality of my dream, I received e-mail from people all over the world asking me how I did/do it, what’s my secret for living a seemingly perfect life, how do I stay so positive?, etc. I was at once flattered and alarmed. In general what you see on my blog is really how I am (all the commenters who know me in real life (irl) please feel free to confirm or contradict that), and I’ve said for years that I’m one of the happiest people that I know. And its true. Not because I have the magic bullet to a perfect life, but because a) I believe that a certain amount of your outlook is predetermined by genetics and my parents might not have passed on the “skinny” gene, but they sure did make up for it with the “optimist” gene. b) I believe even more of your outlook is pure decision. I am determined to be happy and live my life as fully as I can. c) I’ve been THROUGH some things (mother’s critical illness, divorce) and I realized that I will always be going through something(s) but as long as I’m alive and in control of my mind and body, history bodes well that I’m not the first person to experience X and that even if Y happens I’ll be okay.
Another reason I decided to join the 12 million + bloggers out here in the blogosphere is not because I felt like I had something to say that hasn’t been said before, but I hope that the WAY I say it brings a smile to your face, inspires you to pursue YOUR big dreams and gets me a couple of points with the Big Guy upstairs, so that when I slide into my grave: sideways, giggling and thoroughly exhausted from living a full life, I’ll have a shot at some wings, a halo and the chance to be a guardian angel for some poor sap who is breathing their first breath with a lifetime of joy and pain ahead of them.
I think this topic is especially appropriate in light of the 5th anniversary of 9/11. Anyone who knows me will tell you that since that day, my philosophy – which alternately drives people crazy and makes them smile at the same time is:
“If this is the worst thing that happens to me today/this month/this year (depending on the scale), then that’s alright with me!” Even in the hardest situations I find myself saying this with a smile on my face or at the least in my voice – and it changes EVERYTHING. But mostly it changes ME. So here is to you dear reader, for all that you are and all that you will be, I wish for you the sun, moon and stars on a platter, and the knowledge that if you’re going through Hell, the best thing to do is to just.keep.going. Trouble don’t last always.
I am here to confirm… homegirl is a happy camper. I think it’s the music. The inner DJ is a lifesaver.
The beautiful thing about optimism is its infectiousness. I used to fight reality but I’ve learned that there’s a lot more energy left over to do more fun stuff when I don’t waste it b*tchin’. old folks provide prespective too. a couple of world wars. the depression. civil rights. vietnam. history seems to remember the grimness of it all, but life goes on – and this too shall pass.
I am reminded of one of my favorite songs… I played it on the jukebox every saturday… ‘don’t worry, be happy… dooooooooo do do do dooo do do do do… ha ha…’
Dia,
I agree that what I saw on your site is really who you are.
You are indeed “special” (at least to family and friends) and you have really received the optimist gene (a product of your environment), a great decision making process and the “smarts” to know that somethings just happen over which you have no control.
I glad you are able to live life to the fullest – feel free to take chances and roll with the punches.
I love your philosophy and it does make me smile 🙂 :()
Love you,
How did that front face get in there!
I meant to write….How did that frown face get in there?
Spell check is really needed today.
I totally agree, it’s just that trained as a child in the secret arts of cynicism, one sees happiness is a gift, one much like the trojan horse: to be viewed with hefty doubt and a lot of listening for ticking sounds. Nevertheless I try to bring a little bit of joy to the world every day, not to me you understand, as if I lose my brooding and ansty ways then they come take back my goth card and I have to wear yellow and orange the rest of my life. But as my father used to say to me: “Remember Beth, you have two types of laughter, and if they are running away screaming – you’re doing the wrong one.”
Hey, Funchilde—
Clicked through to your site after seeing your sweet comments at my blog. You sound like a mighty cool chick, one I’d like to know irl; I’ll definitely be following your continuing adventures.
I love your philosophy of life and feel that I manage to spend about 70% of my own time in that headspace. The other 30% of the time I’m hurtling toward hell in that handbasket our grandmas were always talking about, but it’s not a terrible ratio in the big picture.
Stay safe on the motorcycle; I’m spent a number of years on two wheels myself, and my best advice is to pretend while riding that you’re completely invisible to other drivers, ’cause you pretty much are.
Stay cool.
yea, u r quite the optimist. its the only way to be….when will people learn????