Thursday, January 31, 2013

That great attitude, seeing the glass as full

 

There are people who never2-OAF asparagus shots-1248

seem to have their glass

any less then completely full. 

I admire that attitude, never

seeing a lack of anything

wonderful in their life.

And I will say that I

wondered if it took massive

amounts of effort, and control

to convince themselves that

they saw it that way. 

But for some people it just

seems to be the way they are

built the way they live their

lives the way they look at the world.

No rose colored glasses needed.

  1-OAF asparagus shots-1239

 

It’s a wonderful attitude, and I wish more of us could be that way.  Let’s raise a glass to wondering if it just takes time, and experience to achieve that level of happiness, and if we can become like that.

 

3-OAF asparagus shots-1260

 

I have a elderly friend from where we used to live, that has been given a diagnosis of terminal cancer, they can’t do anything.  This isn’t about sadness, her attitude is one of thankfulness that she wakes up each morning. How’s that for amazing.

Even though I had expected the news it was upsetting.  Hoped for the best, heard the worst, where do you go from there? How do you comfort her, what do you say.

I thought maybe she was putting on a brave face for me, but no, she is grateful for everyone of her years, her life, her family, and friends.  She tells me that she has had a good life, and a good time. 

She doesn’t worry about anything, those are her words.

Her faith is strong, and so is her spirit. 

 

4-OAF asparagus shots-1229

 

The world needs more people like her…and I’m grateful that I have this chance to know her.

Have you been fortunate enough to meet some “the glass is full” people in your life, and aren’t they amazing?

 

Jen @ Muddy Boot Dreams

30 comments:

  1. I am fortunate enough to have some people in my life like that and it is a blessing. I'm sorry about your friend. And by the way your blog blesses many of us....:)

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  2. I've always found it easier to cope if I know what the problem is. It's the not knowing that causes me anxiety. Growing up with a parent that always saw the negative side of things, I'm more apt to see the positive and look for silver linings. That said, I'm not sure how I would handle a diagnosis of cancer. One day at a time, I suppose.

    Blessings,
    Carolynn

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  3. Lovely post, Jen. I've always thought that it's better to see the glass full as the alternative is just too hard to bear. Blessings to your sweet friend who views it full in the heart of trial, I have a dear friend who's daughter, a young mother of two and expecting her third, was just diagnosed with melanoma. Outlook does not look good from a medical viewpoint but their faith is unwavering. They give strength to us all with their fortitude. Thank you for your tender thoughts this morning. BTW, I linked to a post of yours that inspired me. It's up now.

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  4. so so sorry to hear about your friend Jen, sounds to me she has a good attitude to face what comes, I do know some people like this,

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  5. Women such as your friend always seem eager to teach by example. They are a marvel. I’m glad she is in your life.

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  6. Great words and reflection . . . pleasant to be around someone who appreciates, treasures life, living . . .

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  7. Interesting that your post mimics my thoughts this morning. I have a friend who underwent surgery, then radiation several years ago and is now cancer free. Problem is that the radiation did internal damage and she lost weight, down to 89 pounds. We talked just last night and she tells me she has gained weight...up to 92 pounds. She went on to say she is so thankful for her good health. I am so thankful to have a friend with an unfaltering attitude that life is good.

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  8. I tend to be a pessimist too and have had to work hard to change my thinking. Really reminding myself not to say that or to put that out of my mind. Great post. We all can learn from this.

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  9. It takes effort to see the glass as being full. Yes, there are people with sunny dispositions, but we just wouldn't be human if the ways of the world didn't get us down every now and then. your friend is amazing. My heart goes out to her in her final journey.

    XO,
    Jane

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  10. First of all I want to point out that ever person who has commented here on this post actually read what you wrote and commented beautifully.

    When we post such a heartfelt and deep post such as this one it is wonderful that our readers really did read what our words were and didn't just skim down and leave another "I hear ya" comment.

    That is a really full glass to me. Isn't it strange how the person who we think should have the worst attitude about life at times has the best. Granted we all need a little pity party once in a while and then we need to move on and fill that glass with good things, and no I am not referring to red wine although it can be a nice treat too. Lol.

    Others are absolutely toxic in their negativity all the time. The poor me syndrome I call it. No time for them.

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  11. My Papa , he is like that s very placid care free man what happens happens and we will deal with it then attitude just go with the flow he says and enjoy each day as it comes ! Sorry to hear about your friend but with her care free out look on life she will be just fine ! Lovely photos !

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  12. A positive attitude and an attitude of gratitude make life more productive and worthwhile. Your friend has found a balance in her life, and that is wonderful.

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  13. Jen, a very thought provoking post... I try to be optimistic and look at life as positively as I can, however, there are those moments when things get a hold of you and it's hard to bear, those are the times when it seems I put on my rose-coloured glasses, shoo down into my rabbit hole, and wish I didn't have to see the bad or negative things... but it's only a temporary solution and sooner or later you have to face reality, in the end, it does work out so much better to do it positively than negatively! Cheers~

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  14. Yes- I have met several people like that in my life. How sad about your friend but she sounds like an amazing example of having God in her life and knowing that we are not really in control of His plan for our lives. I think that is part of it- if you realize that things that happen are SUPPOSED to happen it is easier to accept it.

    Bless your friend and bless you-xo Diana

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  16. Life is incredible. So are your pics:) But honestly, if we have done many of the things on our bucket lists and made positive contributions to the world, then accepting those final moments are not terrible at all. No fight or sadness.... just acceptance that everyday from now until the end are to be enjoyed to the max. We should all view our worlds like this and I think we wouldn't have time to think about the glass full or empty because we'd be living life:) Everyday counts. Every moment cherished. Wonderful post full of deep thoughts:)

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  17. I have met some, and see their joy as invigorating. When I'm not in the midst of massive worrying, I am one of those people. Now if someone can tell me how to see the glass as half full while in the midst of financial breakdown, please tell me! I so admire your friend for not worrying. How could you not? She must be truly amazing.
    Brenda

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  18. I have been very blessed to know several people like this and I try so hard to be like that. I don't always succeed but when you are around friends like that, it makes you want to be more like them.

    Pretty sweet post!!

    Judy

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  19. Beautiful flower shots, bright and colorful.

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  20. Great post Jen! I strive to be more like that everyday, and yes...my friend Linda is like that. Sadly, I tend to be more of a worrier and I hate that about myself! Stunning photos!

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  21. I wonder sometimes if it's just the way we are 'wired'. I have a positive outlook on life even though I have had some hard times and very sad times. I have always tried to make the best of whatever I have and find joy no matter the circumstances. I hope I can do that in the future when life changes...as it surely will. Sweet hugs!

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  22. It's amazing how some people can cope with life's in-adversities. Sending many good thoughts and wishes for your friend - and to you Jen!
    Hugs!
    xo Catherine

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  23. How I have wished many times I had a more positive outlook. I am always amazed by people who are able to see the good in just about everything. Your friend sounds amazing.

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  24. You and your friend are both fortunate to have each other. Her attitude is inspirational, and your writing is a wonderful tribute.

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  25. It does depend on what your life is full of as well as your attitude towards it. Although some people have natural grace and some have to learn it, it's also important, I think, to make it so all our lives have lots of fulfillments and good memories. That's partly our individual responsibility and partly our responsibility towards each other.It's where the arts come in as well as the need for basic things like food, and housing and clothes. Then, when we die, we, hopefully, will think it's all been worth it.

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  26. I wish you all the best for you, Jen, as well as for your friend. It's tough.
    But on the flippant side (though sometimes true) I sometimes find myself seeing life as a row of half full glasses and don't know quite what to make of them. There doesn't seem to be a proverb to cover this!

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  27. I wish I had a positive attitude more..it is something I should work on:)

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  28. I admire people with that attitude, and have to stop myself sometimes and remind myself to look at the bright side. My dad has cancer, and we children are the ones upset - he said whatever happens, he's ready. And the thing is - he really means it.

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  29. Yes they are amazing...my dad was like that.

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Jen @ Muddy Boot Dreams

PS: No word verification here, sorry I cannot reply to blogs that use word verification.