Being Choosy

I was reading Apples With Honey a few minutes ago and noticed a box on the side of her blog that read,  "A Year of Choice.

Intrigued, I clicked on the link and found a new (to me) Waldorf inspired blog called Bluebirdbaby.  The author Erin has issued a challenge to other bloggers to write about choosing happiness over misery, focusing on the positive rather than the negative. That we have the ability to determine our outlook and focus.

I am taking up the challenge. While I am not about to become an instant Pollyanna...that's just not the kind of girl I am..I want to focus on the happy more than I do the negative.  I think it will help me grow as a person, a woman, a mother, a wife.

There is a little serendipty at work here, I think.  Earlier today I was chatting with my SIL about learned pessimism.  Some cultures and families pass down the idea that it is better to complain and keep your joy to yourself, lest some larger spiritual force, like the Evil Eye, take it all away in a sort of Karmic retribution for allowing yourself to be happy.  The message I received was "hope for the best, but expect the worst."

What I learned from this was to be absolutely terrified that the worst was going to happen in any given situation.  It is something I struggle with to this day.

I want something different for our child.  I want him to love his life and to trust in God.  I want him to experience the feeling of hope.  Joy. Peace. Love.

Image: Vlado / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

I want him to choose happiness.


So, I am grateful for Apples and Bluebirdbaby for posting the link and the article.  Thanks Ladies!  Your timing is awesome. :)