Thank The Trees!

I believe sometimes we confuse positivity with cheerfulness. While the two are complementary, you can be positive without necessarily being cheerful.

Optimistic, hopeful, and confident are other positive synonyms. Let’s face it, though; some challenges that come to us in life are just no fun and being cheerful all the time seems impossible.

Can I still be positive as I navigate a rough patch in the road when I am REALLY not happy about it and DO NOT feel confident in my navigation abilities? (Positive answer: YES!)

So, what helps me cultivate a positive attitude? Gratitude!

I’ll share a simple and fall-themed example:

 As a young teen, I was given the task of raking the leaves in my grandmother’s yard. I am sure it was obvious that I was not cheerful about the assignment because my grandmother came out to help me.

I expressed that it was a tedious job that could be remedied by having fewer trees in the yard.

My grandmother matter-of-factly explained that trees provide many lovely benefits such as shade, beauty, a refuge for wildlife, and so on. She went on to say that for her – raking the leaves was an expression of gratitude to the tree. She was not bursting into song or dancing for joy in the leaves. She simply raked the leaves.

So, when I am out raking leaves in my yard this fall, I think of my grandmother. Raking is still not my favorite task. However, I do not complain. I just rake the leaves and thank the trees!

P.S. If you do enjoy raking leaves and find yourself dancing and jumping in them or bursting into a cheery song, it’s okay. YOU ARE AWESOME!  

Stay Positive!