Thanks Mom, I Still Need Your Advice!

No matter how old you become, sometimes we still need to hear what our parents have to say. I realized this again recently and I'm posting it here to remind myself.

Last weekend my mom and I were speaking on the phone. She was talking to me about family drama. Typical of my relatives, someone was complaining about how bad their life was and how things could be better. Yada yada. Etc. etc.

This particular person doesn't have a real cause to be upset. Trust me. She's lucky to still be alive and to have a family who loves her and visits her regularly despite her negative comments and often rude behaviors. Yet this person continues to gripe about everything!

You probably have a person like that in your life. A "negative nelly." A "debbie downer" character that always has it worse off than everyone else. Don't you get sick of being around someone like that?

My mom was expressing her frustration with this woman, saying "Why can't she just be grateful for what she has?" Then my mother said something to the effect of, "ya know, I try to look at the positives in my life. I look at the glass as being half-full, not half-empty. And I just try to enjoy my life while I'm here." Sure my mom used a cliche but she makes a valid point.

Ginny, my mom, has always been a positive force. She is always doing something fun and active. She really does make the most of her time here on earth. I remember when she turned 50 years old (ten years ago), she celebrated in a big way, instead of becoming depressed. If I recall correctly, she rented a limo and invited her two best friends and their husbands to join her for a night out on the town.

That's my mom. She goes to the theatre to see community plays. She and my dad see movies on a regular basis. She exercises, reads and fills her days with things that she wants to do. Why not? She's a retired teacher of 30 years. She's paid her dues.

But after this conversation between us, I reflected on my own life and my attitude. And I didn't like the results that came to mind. You see, I have spent the last year and few months being more negative than I want to be. I've been bitter over where I live, over being sick frequently, over my stressful job and over lots of other little things that don't really add up to much in life. Holy crap, I'm turning into that relative that my mom was speaking about! Yikes!

Okay, the first step is admitting you have a problem, right?! I'm only 31 (see "only" - that's positive instead of saying; I'm an old fart!) so I can fix this concern before it's too late for me. I can change my outlook on life. I can be positive, have more fun and make the most of my days. There is still plenty of time! I can stop stressing over trivial issues and do more things that bring joy to my soul.

Yes I can do this. I will do this! I can learn from my mom who keeps a gratitude journal. Every day she writes things she feels thankful for having. I can finish that book that my wonderful friend Carrie sent me a few months ago about simplifying my life and seeing the joy in various moments.

I don't want to be jaded and cynical all the time. Every now and then, sure, it's kind of funny. But not when it consumes me, as I've let it take over me for a year now.

Granted, we all need to vent from time to time. We all have our bad days. But when you really stop and look at your life, can't you find something good in it?

I know I can. And today I choose to be grateful. I choose to be happy and make the most of my time here, just like my mom. Thanks for the reminder and word of advice. I love you. Cheers to you!