Focus on Positive possibilities

I am aware that we are in troubling times with scenes on the nightly news so graphic that I would not choose to watch a movie with that much violence in it. The question I am asking myself is “What I can do to make a difference in my life and the lives of my family and friends?” It all goes back to the announcement the flight attendants make on takeoff about the oxygen mask. They emphasize the need to put your mask on first then assist your child/neighbor if they are having trouble with theirs. 

This morning I went to my toolbox and selected a copy of a book given to me by friends that I read several years ago, The Power by Ronda Byrne. The following is the quote that begins the chapter “Life Follows You.”

“Destiny is no matter of chance, It is a matter of choice.”
William Jennings Bryan (1860-1925) United State Political Leader

Ronda Byrne also emphasizes “Absolutely everything you experience in your life is a result of what you have given out in your thoughts and feelings, whether you realize you have given them or not. Life is not happening to you…life is following you. Your destiny is in your hands. Whatever you think, whatever you feel you decide your life.”  

Thursday we were so focused on the celebration of life we did not have time to look at the news and allow that negative energy to put us in a place of despair and hopelessness. We focused on the celebrations that our family and friends were having and that is the kind of day we experienced. Last night was our granddaughter Julia’s opening night with the lead role in the summer camp production of Shrek. We were not there but will see it Saturday evening because Thursday was our granddaughter Madeline’s celebration of her golden 16th birthday on 6/16/16. That day was also a good friend’s 75th birthday and the 54th wedding anniversary of long-time friends. It was truly a day of wonderful celebrations to enjoy with family and friends.

We have been surrounded by so much good and generosity in our social group of retired seniors. It warms our hearts to see how they are always responding to the hardship being experienced by one member of the group. This response has been tremendously generous in various ways including needed resources, blood donations, pick-me-up visits, home-cooked meals for the patient and caregiver, just to mention a few. One person in our group spent the whole day of her birthday at the hospital so his wife could be with their daughter who was giving birth to their granddaughter.
 
Yes these are indeed times when we are experiencing the worst of humanity and yet also the best. It can be perceived that often times the greater the tragedy, the greater the good that comes forth. Certainly we are in uncharted waters politically and globally. Yet I tend to think previous generations had times when they thought the same thing.  

Today I am focusing on the good that is happening and I am feeling blessed to be around people who are making a positive difference in their world. That good energy is contagious.
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This week you may want to text or email your friends letting them know one good thing you have experienced in the past few days. Let them know what you’ve done or witnessed that can have a positive influence on the world.