Monday, March 9, 2009

My Year of Positive Thinking - Week 9

It hung there, on my bulletin board - forgotten underneath the doctor’s appointment card, a receipt of a long since mailed certified letter, and some important reminders about the changing status of things at work.

Bulletin boards are like that, an accumulation of daily minutia and formed layers of time that can, to the trained eye, be read like the rings of a fallen tree. I vaguely remember printing it and hanging it there, but the twenty-eight pin holes decorating its surface will attest to the fact that it was hung quite some time ago.

I have always been a fan of Maya Angelou’s poetry, a particular favorite, “On Reaching Forty,” gets trotted out every time some poor soul reaches that magic number. But this one, “What I Have Learned,” speaks volumes to one who is on the shady side of fifty. I think it captures the essence of my quest for “Positive Thinking.” 

I’m glad I was wise enough to save the words, though the fact that they are obviously in need of dusting off, speaks volumes to my best laid plans.

 
What I Have Learned
Maya Angelou
"I've learned that no matter what happens, or how bad it seems today, life does go on, and it will be better tomorrow. I've learned that you can tell a lot about a person by the way he/she handles these three things: a rainy day, lost luggage, and tangled Christmas tree lights. I've learned that regardless of your relationship with your parents, you'll miss them when they're gone from your life. I've learned that making a "living" is not the same thing as making a life." I've learned that life sometimes gives you a second chance. I've learned that you shouldn't go through life with a catcher's mitt on both hands; you need to be able to throw something back. "I've learned that whenever I decide something with an open heart, I usually make the right decision. I've learned that even when I have pains, I don't have to be one. I've learned that every day you should reach out and touch someone. People love a warm hug, or just a friendly pat on the back I've learned that I still have a lot to learn. I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel."


Have a good week!

© 9 March 2009, Desktop Genealogist Unplugged, Teresa L. Snyder 

2 comments:

Harriet said...

I read your post last night but didn't have time to comment. After a couple of depressing days, death in the family and health problems for my Mom it helped to read your Positive Thinking post. I really like the beginning "I've learned that no matter what happens, or how bad it seems today, life does go on, and it will be better tomorrow." This is so true and when you are having a hard time it helps to be reminded so Thanks!

TERRY SNYDER said...

Harriet,

I'm sorry to hear about your difficult days. We're having our own trying times, and there these words were, staring right at me. They gave me comfort too. Please take care, Harriet. I'll keep you in my thoughts.


Terry

Terry

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