Photo Source: Flickr ~ Click photo for attribution
Many years ago, at a leadership seminar, I sat in the audience and listened to a particularly brillant speaker. At some point during his presentation, he asked for a volunteer from the audience, selecting a lovely young professional woman. She was impeccably dressed and completely poised. She stood calmly in front of the 300 or so professionals in the group. The speaker commented on her stylish appearance, that she looked as she was, a capable professional, elegantly but quietly dressed in her dark suit, simple hair, classic accessories, but... oh too bad about that tiny bit of dandruff on her shoulders, and.....
Huh? Wa..? Dandruff? Did he really say that out loud?
He went on to explain that his volunteer was a prepared co-worker and there was no dandruff, really. But that one single negative comment had the effect of undoing all the positive things he'd said just seconds before, and all the audience could focus on now was dandruff. He showed us how powerful even the smallest amount of negativity can be, and how it can command our attention to the extent of all else. Even later, when I went up to meet the speaker and his colleague, I found myself looking at her shoulders. I couldn't help it.
i refuse to focus on negativity. Especially not this week. This week people told me how lucky - how blessed - their lives were. People whose lives may contain both joy and pain, yet still they choose, and I mean that word in the greatest sense, CHOOSE to see how many positive, good things are happening in their lives, and to hold them higher than the things that aren't so wonderful right now. To stop, and express joy and thankfulness for the good things around them.
And that thankfulness and joy flowed from their homes right into mine.
Star has asked, please, could Susan Elliot receive the Lucky Me journal? Susan's said something so powerful. She wrote "I have enough positive energy to light up a whole stadium if I needed to." Star's golden eyes sparkled approval and she purred just that much louder.
But Star and I have a teensy surprise. We have a small gift to send to each commentor, to Jen Day, Deb, Kristi, Lana, Rebecca, Meismama, Becky C., Jennifer, Arlene, Fitty, Diane (another Irish girl!), Jeanne, Charlene, Tina, Susie M., Julie L., Tami, Dawn, and Idh. If each of you lovely ladies would email me at silvergirl@starsfault.com with your addresses in the email, we have a little something to send your way, with our humble thanks.
I hope tomorrow, as you all begin your week wherever you are, that the power of positive thinking is ever present and that you reach out and brighten the day for those around you.
Blessings ~
Eileen
Eileen, how kind! I'm thrilled to win even the "consolation" prize! Thank you so much!
I just love coming over here to look and drool and be inspired by all of your creativity and beautiful photos.
I think you did super well, even with the flu!
The new pillow covers are gorgeous! You're making me feel guilty for neglecting my sewing machine for several months. It's in our basement family room and we've been nestling in our living room in front of the fireplace instead for all this time.
Blessings and many thanks to you. I will email my address.
Hoping you feel better soon.
Diane
Posted by: Diane Knott | Wednesday, March 25, 2009 at 04:47 PM
Elieen~
What a wonderful story....Thank you so for your kindness! May you have a special week!
Hugs~
T
Posted by: Tami | Monday, March 23, 2009 at 03:25 PM
YOU & STAR ARE THE BEST!!!!!!!!! Thank you for being so generous! I think each of us are blessed/lucky to have each other for a support system! Have a wonderful week.
Posted by: Charlene | Monday, March 23, 2009 at 09:23 AM
Hi Becky ~ No apologies needed, things get to us all some days, and you have some biggies on your heart. My no-fail cure-all for downer days is to spend a bit extra time with my four legged buddies - especially my horse. Just that horsey smell, and the big brown eyes, soft fur and muzzle take every bit of the blues far, far, away!
Blessings ~ Eileen and the Beautiful Starry Girl!
Posted by: Eileen @ Star's Fault | Sunday, March 22, 2009 at 09:26 PM
Hello Sweet Friend......
Thank you so very much for not only a lovely little surprise but also for your kind words. I apologize for my comment on that post being a downer... Life can just get to you sometimes. :) but sweet friends and sweet comments even if they come from afar can and do always help....
Your blog and post ALWAYS inspire me and bring me joy....
Take Care
Posted by: Becky Caldwell | Sunday, March 22, 2009 at 09:14 PM