I’m an optimistic person that always tries to look at the bright side of things.
It doesn’t mean that I’m always happy.
I try my hardest to see the good in people.
It doesn’t mean that I’m always happy.
I have had my fair share of blows – big ones at that – and I have survived.
It doesn’t mean I’m always happy.
I know you can see where this is going.
The truth of the matter is that while happiness might be a tad elusive, I am always grateful because gratitude is something that no one can take away. It’s internal and for me, is a quality that is more hard-wired than learned.
In the worst of circumstances, most people that are grateful can remain positive, and be thankful for some specific aspects of their life or for a small thing that has helped them make it through.
I have this quality in spades.
There are circumstances in which it is IMPOSSIBLE to be happy. I’ve been in several of those circumstances, but after the initial shock, fear, and disappointment, came a wave of appreciation for the positive things that remained. It was then that the optimist in me reminded me that things will improve, and I’ll get through this.
And so no, I wasn’t happy, but I also didn’t sink to that spot where there was no light at the “end of the tunnel” and despair ruled my days. I found that I could always hold on to hope and gratitude, and it made me feel better.
So, smiles and big hair aside, like everyone, I have my bad days. I don’t think it’s anything to be ashamed of. Do you?