#73
What happened to me today is a reminder that there is so much good out there, and that when we disconnect from the news we see what is right in front of us. In my case, I mean literally in front of me – in the queue at the Post Office.
When I got to the post office today it was empty save for one elderly gentleman ahead of me. He must have been a regular as he and the lady behind the counter were chatting away like old friends. The gentleman finished paying and, noticing me standing behind him. He curtailed his conversation and said goodbye to the lady. I told him I wasn’t in a hurry and invited them to finish their exchange. He suggested I might like to listen too as it was a good story.
He told us he had an exceptional child in his family. His grandson, Tom was born with Down’s Syndrome and goes to a school for children with special needs. Tom had accumulated lots of merit points and the school allowed him to trade them in for $10 to spend on anything he liked. He said he wanted to buy a pink wallet. One of the teachers took him out to the shops to help him choose. The teacher was a little nervous worrying that he might get teased and suggested he choose a more masculine colour. Tom replied ‘No. Pink is perfect. It’s my Mom’s favorite colour.’ Tom was going to use his prize money to buy a wallet for his mother. The grandfather touched his hand to his heart and his eyes glistened with proud tears. We all looked at each other and connected with a smile. What a heartwarming moment, what a beautiful child, what a loving grandfather.
There is a lot of negative stuff out there these days. Research tells us that it takes 5 positive thoughts to overpower one negative thought. Now more than ever it will serve us to look for the good and the many blessings all around us.
Three Tips To Counteract Negativity:
- Slow down, pause, and notice what is around you. There is so much we take for granted that we can appreciate with fresh eyes: the clean water that comes freely from the tap, the electricity that lights the room, the food in our fridge. If you have ever been on a long trip you may remember that luxurious feeling of lying in your own bed when your return home
- Connect with others. Say good morning to the person waiting at the bus stop, smile at someone walking by, send an email to someone you haven’t been in touch with for ages. Connection boosts your happiness
- Remember that to varying degrees we are drawn to drama, strong emotions, and things out of the ordinary. Be aware of what you are immersing yourself in. The level of fear out there is high, and it is easy to get caught up in it. Counterbalance negative things you see and hear by consciously seeking out and acknowledging the good all around us. Then please share 🙂
