Who hasn't heard that old cliche, "The glass is half full, you idiot!"? Or something like that.
(I firmly believe in the use of artistic license). Apparently, I also believe in tangents- digressing...
The power of a positive mental outlook struck me on a visit to a nursing home last weekend. Upon entering the facility, I was arrested immediately by the smell. And I say "the smell" because such an odor is difficult to describe. The air contained a mixture of old and/or sick people, cafeteria food, bathroom smells, and recirculated air. In one word the smell was repulsive. I felt an instinctive pull back towards the door marked exit. And I wondered when on earth these people got to see the outside world, if ever.
Those residents not confined to their rooms scooted about in their wheelchairs in the home's common areas. They looked like a living cemetery-people just waiting around to die, but who for all intents and purposes are dead already.
Then I visited one resident in particular. By the books on the shelf and the degrees on the wall, and the limited amount I was able to communicate with him, I gathered that he was an intelligent man with dreams to travel the world. Yet, apparently those dreams were cut short some time ago by a catastrophic health crisis. And so here he is, and has been, for years. But what impressed me about him was his laugh.
Someone who cannot take care of himself, go where he wants to go, and do what he wants to do-laughs! I think he should be sour and bitter, because of what's happened to him, but maybe he's learned to be optimistic in spite of it. When I asked if they had any activities planned for residents on the weekend, he replied, "Yes, but it's my day off." I realized then that if there were any activities planned he probably wouldn't be able to participate in them. Duh! But glass half full, see?
I firmly believe in reality-seeing things as they are-and being honest with yourself. But a healthy optimism can help you cope when life's circumstances overwhelm you. Because although life throws all it has at you, you can deny its ability to defeat you. Perhaps my friend has learned this secret, and every laugh is a victory cry.
