I am not a morning person. I never have been. So when 7 a.m. rolled around and my alarm screeched, interrupting my peaceful sleep, I was not exactly thrilled.
Feeling particularly stressed this morning and, I'm not going to lie, a little grumpy, I went to breakfast at the Cannon in between my loads of laundry. As I leaned down to get a tray, I heard a voice exclaim "good morning!". I didn't think the greeting was directed to me, so I was surprised when I turned around to see a guy standing there, just smiling at me. I replied "good morning", and seeing he was still standing there, politely asked how he was. "Fantastic!" He replied. I laughed as we made our way to get some oatmeal. He made small talk with me and his friend about the great food, and how it was a good way to start the day. As he left, he informed me "today is going to be a GREAT day". I watched him as he continued to each station, talking to and joking with the servers. As I scooped my oatmeal, I commented to one of the servers "I'm not sure how he's so excited this morning." She shrugged and replied "hey, a positive attitude makes a difference".
To this kid, he was probably just being himself and didn't think anything of the encounter. But for me, it got me thinking. Yes, I have one million reasons to be stressed, grumpy, negative, and ultimately unhappy. But I also have about one bajillion reasons to be happy. There is so much more good in the world if we allow ourselves to find it. Life is a lot better when the glass is half-full, not half-empty. Optimism makes a huge difference. You get out of a situation what you put into it. If you look at life from a positive perspective, you'll be much happier.
Life is hard. I won't lie to you and tell you it's easy or filled with rainbows and sunshine all the time because it's not. It's a long, difficult, trying journey. But finding joy along the way is just as important as enduring it. In fact, it will make life so much easier.
And while we each have our own individual struggles, we cannot forget that everyone else experiences them too! Remember that every person you meet is a child of God. Treat them as such. No one is perfect. We are all human. We all make mistakes. But forgiveness is key to happiness.
"Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle."
-John Watson
Today, try and find the good in life. Be optimistic. Count your blessings, and thank Heavenly Father for the good rather than complaining about the bad. Make someone feel loved. Make a new friend. Life is beautiful. I know I say that all the time, but it really is. We are so blessed.
Halloween pictures coming soon!!
Hakuna matata,
Mallory
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