Life.......

Blueface · 01-09-2009, 07:44 AM

Perhaps a fitting title to this thread, perhaps not explicative enough.

So many of us so often feel down and out or feel so upset over the minor "inconveniences" life throws at us. Sometimes those minor inconveniences are in fact not so minor after all. At times, they can be what some can in fact consider significant or perhaps even catastrophic.

I am truly trying hard to believe in positive reinforcement/thinking as first and foremost. That was reinforced recently for me and is my new motto that I would like to share and would love all to consider the next time one of life's "inconveniences" affects you.

My dad and mom are in their 70's. They ache for everything. Mostly, they ache in their minds I think. Any pain is catastrophic for them. Any illness is terminal. Any headache, is worth confining to bed. I don't know what has happened to them.

On the other hand, I go to my supermarket and run into a gentleman that is at least 10 yrs older than my parents. I see him each and every day. Always a smile, a greeting, a brief discussion and a good bye, see you soon. The other day, he says to me, how are you? I said great and for some jokingly reason, I say what is the sense of me complaining if you have problems of your own? His response is the moral of this story and my new motto for good.

He said to me, each and every day I wake up, it is already a great day and nothing can ruin it unless I don't get to do it again the next morning. At my age, I don't have time to get upset and I don't have many of those mornings left.

I then wondered why it takes getting to your 80's for most of us to learn and understand that basic concept.

Mr.Maduro · 01-09-2009, 07:48 AM

BTW, Alana can't wait to see Uncle Carlos & Aunt Clara!!

King James · 01-09-2009, 07:51 AM

because I'm young and know everything........

Not really though. Great story, Carlos.... nice morning read.

BroncoHorvath · 01-09-2009, 08:11 AM

Great post

My step-Dad is the same way as your Dad and I always try to cheer him up, except he is very stubborn.
On the other hand, I have a really good friend that is 83 (BTW I'm 43), and he's one of the most cheerful person you could meet. He's 83 and he has and had his share of health issues, but it doesn't bring him down, and it keeps him looking young. One of his favorite quotes is "Is it really that bad", and really if you look around, there are lots of people that are a worse off that us and don't complain.
I consider myself a very positive person, and mostly because of tragic events I've had to endure. That's why I also have the same attitude as your supermarket man.
We only have one life, and it's a pretty short one, so don't stress over the little things.

icehog3 · 01-09-2009, 09:34 AM

Thanks Carlos. We shouldn't sweat the small things, life is too short.

Mr.Maduro · 01-09-2009, 09:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by icehog3

Thanks Carlos. We shouldn't sweat the small things, life is too short.

That reminds me of an old fave of mine.... "Don't sweat the petty things and don't pet the sweaty things!"

Starscream · 01-09-2009, 09:36 AM

Well said.

ucla695 · 01-09-2009, 08:02 AM

Thanks for sharing. Definitely something to keep in mind and we all go through out own daily rat race. Great thought to kick off the day.

Scottw · 01-09-2009, 09:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Blueface

Perhaps a fitting title to this thread, perhaps not explicative enough.

So many of us so often feel down and out or feel so upset over the minor "inconveniences" life throws at us. Sometimes those minor inconveniences are in fact not so minor after all. At times, they can be what some can in fact consider significant or perhaps even catastrophic.

I am truly trying hard to believe in positive reinforcement/thinking as first and foremost. That was reinforced recently for me and is my new motto that I would like to share and would love all to consider the next time one of life's "inconveniences" affects you.

My dad and mom are in their 70's. They ache for everything. Mostly, they ache in their minds I think. Any pain is catastrophic for them. Any illness is terminal. Any headache, is worth confining to bed. I don't know what has happened to them.

On the other hand, I go to my supermarket and run into a gentleman that is at least 10 yrs older than my parents. I see him each and every day. Always a smile, a greeting, a brief discussion and a good bye, see you soon. The other day, he says to me, how are you? I said great and for some jokingly reason, I say what is the sense of me complaining if you have problems of your own? His response is the moral of this story and my new motto for good.

He said to me, each and every day I wake up, it is already a great day and nothing can ruin it unless I don't get to do it again the next morning. At my age, I don't have time to get upset and I don't have many of those mornings left.

I then wondered why it takes getting to your 80's for most of us to learn and understand that basic concept.

Excellent post!! Thank you!

68TriShield · 01-09-2009, 11:41 AM

Speak for yourself Carlos

I count my blessings every day!

RevSmoke · 01-09-2009, 11:55 AM

My mother was confined to bed with Multiple Schlerosis for much of my life. I had to care for her, including: bathing, changing her diapers (and what goes with that), dressing her, stretching her and getting her up, putting in her wheelchair, and other things. Constant pain was her lot in life.

Her attitude? She was usually happy, and when asked how she was doing, she always commented upon how richly blessed she was.

We can either look at the world as a glass half full or half empty.

Personally, I think it has to do with the faith God planted in my mother's heart.

I am of a similar attitude. God has given us too much, if we only open our eyes and see all that He has given us. Grab life and live it with gusty, it is His gift to us.

My grandfather always said, "Don't worry about the small stuff - and there ain't no big stuff."

karmaz00 · 01-09-2009, 12:50 PM

thanks for sharing

macpappy · 01-09-2009, 05:02 PM

The epiphany for me came on Christmas Day 1973 while I was stationed on an icebreaker headed for McMurdo, Antarctica. We had just received all of our Christmas mail and packages from home and I was feeling really bummed out about being at the other end of the world from my family. I opened one letter from a schoolmate and it contained a list of men who graduated from our high school who had died in Vietnam. The thought struck me that their families were not enjoying Christmas very much either and I had no reason to complain.

Every time I start feeling depressed about something I remember that letter and all the servicemen who don't return to their families and realize that I have nothing to be depressed about.

Then I say a prayer for all of the fallen.

01-09-2009, 07:44 AM	#1
Blueface Gramps 4x's Join Date: Oct 2008 First Name: Horatio Seymore Hiny Location: Boca Raton - North of La Habana Posts: 8,774 Trading: (8)	Life....... Perhaps a fitting title to this thread, perhaps not explicative enough. So many of us so often feel down and out or feel so upset over the minor "inconveniences" life throws at us. Sometimes those minor inconveniences are in fact not so minor after all. At times, they can be what some can in fact consider significant or perhaps even catastrophic. I am truly trying hard to believe in positive reinforcement/thinking as first and foremost. That was reinforced recently for me and is my new motto that I would like to share and would love all to consider the next time one of life's "inconveniences" affects you. My dad and mom are in their 70's. They ache for everything. Mostly, they ache in their minds I think. Any pain is catastrophic for them. Any illness is terminal. Any headache, is worth confining to bed. I don't know what has happened to them. On the other hand, I go to my supermarket and run into a gentleman that is at least 10 yrs older than my parents. I see him each and every day. Always a smile, a greeting, a brief discussion and a good bye, see you soon. The other day, he says to me, how are you? I said great and for some jokingly reason, I say what is the sense of me complaining if you have problems of your own? His response is the moral of this story and my new motto for good. He said to me, each and every day I wake up, it is already a great day and nothing can ruin it unless I don't get to do it again the next morning. At my age, I don't have time to get upset and I don't have many of those mornings left. I then wondered why it takes getting to your 80's for most of us to learn and understand that basic concept. __________________ Little known fact: I am a former member of the Village People - The Indian

01-09-2009, 07:48 AM	#2
Mr.Maduro In Domino Confido Join Date: Oct 2008 First Name: Patrick Location: La Casa del Blueface Posts: 2,905 Trading: (83)	Re: Life....... BTW, Alana can't wait to see Uncle Carlos & Aunt Clara!! __________________ "Patrick...You low-rent f#@k!!!" - MACMS (Shack V)

01-09-2009, 07:51 AM	#3
King James Regard Me! Join Date: Oct 2008 First Name: Jim Location: Dark Side Of The Moon Posts: 2,565 Trading: (2)	Re: Life....... because I'm young and know everything........ Not really though. Great story, Carlos.... nice morning read. __________________ Mob Herfin' Since 2006

01-09-2009, 08:11 AM	#4
BroncoHorvath Life is Great ! Join Date: Oct 2008 First Name: Steve Location: on the water.... Posts: 412 Trading: (6)	Re: Life....... Great post My step-Dad is the same way as your Dad and I always try to cheer him up, except he is very stubborn. On the other hand, I have a really good friend that is 83 (BTW I'm 43), and he's one of the most cheerful person you could meet. He's 83 and he has and had his share of health issues, but it doesn't bring him down, and it keeps him looking young. One of his favorite quotes is "Is it really that bad", and really if you look around, there are lots of people that are a worse off that us and don't complain. I consider myself a very positive person, and mostly because of tragic events I've had to endure. That's why I also have the same attitude as your supermarket man. We only have one life, and it's a pretty short one, so don't stress over the little things. __________________ There's nothing like a great cigar and being Canadian

01-09-2009, 09:34 AM	#5
icehog3 Admiral Douchebag Join Date: Oct 2008 First Name: Tom Location: Clermont, Kentucky Posts: 71,278 Trading: (60)	Re: Life....... Thanks Carlos. We shouldn't sweat the small things, life is too short. __________________ Thanks Dave, Julian, James, Kelly, Peter, Gerry, Dave, Mo, Frank, Týr and Mr. Mark!

01-09-2009, 09:36 AM	#7
Starscream Knowhutimean, Vern? Join Date: Oct 2008 First Name: Andy Location: In a little town somewhere in the USA Posts: 10,237 Trading: (4)	Re: Life....... Well said. __________________ Insert quote here.

01-09-2009, 08:02 AM	#8
ucla695 Neither here, nor there Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: The Pool Posts: 3,696 Trading: (5)	Re: Life....... Thanks for sharing. Definitely something to keep in mind and we all go through out own daily rat race. Great thought to kick off the day.

01-09-2009, 11:41 AM	#10
68TriShield Got Torque? Join Date: Oct 2008 First Name: Dave Location: Maryland Posts: 7,194 Trading: (40)	Re: Life....... Speak for yourself Carlos I count my blessings every day!

01-09-2009, 11:55 AM	#11
RevSmoke Ain't Never Gonna Leave Join Date: Oct 2008 First Name: Todd Location: Northcentral woods of Wisconsin Posts: 6,848 Trading: (51)	Re: Life....... My mother was confined to bed with Multiple Schlerosis for much of my life. I had to care for her, including: bathing, changing her diapers (and what goes with that), dressing her, stretching her and getting her up, putting in her wheelchair, and other things. Constant pain was her lot in life. Her attitude? She was usually happy, and when asked how she was doing, she always commented upon how richly blessed she was. We can either look at the world as a glass half full or half empty. Personally, I think it has to do with the faith God planted in my mother's heart. I am of a similar attitude. God has given us too much, if we only open our eyes and see all that He has given us. Grab life and live it with gusty, it is His gift to us. My grandfather always said, "Don't worry about the small stuff - and there ain't no big stuff." __________________ Todd__ "Smoke what you like, and enjoy it!"

01-09-2009, 12:50 PM	#12
karmaz00 Habanos Join Date: Dec 2008 First Name: Jason Location: victoria Posts: 1,855 Trading: (1)	Re: Life....... thanks for sharing

01-09-2009, 05:02 PM	#13
macpappy Rider on the storm. Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Slidell, LA Posts: 851 Trading: (0)	Re: Life....... The epiphany for me came on Christmas Day 1973 while I was stationed on an icebreaker headed for McMurdo, Antarctica. We had just received all of our Christmas mail and packages from home and I was feeling really bummed out about being at the other end of the world from my family. I opened one letter from a schoolmate and it contained a list of men who graduated from our high school who had died in Vietnam. The thought struck me that their families were not enjoying Christmas very much either and I had no reason to complain. Every time I start feeling depressed about something I remember that letter and all the servicemen who don't return to their families and realize that I have nothing to be depressed about. Then I say a prayer for all of the fallen. __________________ WARNING: I am a Southern White Male. I have a brain and I know how to use it.