Are You Positive?

Henry Kissinger said, "Each success only buys an admission ticket to a more difficult problem."

I chuckled when I first read that, and recognized the cynicism inherent in the comment immediately.

But as time has passed I've come to realize that I vehemently disagree with the statement. In fact, problems are a part of life, there will always be problems, challenges, opportunities, teachable moments, learning encounters, or whatever label you want to use. That is just part and parcel, the nature of life. If we stop learning, growing, and facing challenges I believe we are doomed.

The problems will always be there, and they may, in fact, be more difficult than one we successfully faced in the past. It's possible.

And what is wonderful, is that since we have successfully navigated our way through trials and tribulations before, we are now stronger, wiser, and better prepared to get through the next round of problems.

So yes, there will always be another problem Mr Kissinger, but no, that is not the only benefit we gain from succeeding. What we actually gain is the ability to handle those problems. The problems will be there whether we like it or not. They don't come as a result of our success, they come because that is the nature of life. So much better to be prepared and ready to face them.

I dislike sweeping generalities, and I dislike negativity. Nothing is ever always true or false, and nothing is ever all bad. We can teach ourselves to see the positive. It isn't easy, but it can be done.

What better time to begin than now? And what better way to begin, than by listing your blessings. What is wonderful and positive in your life?

For me, I am grateful for Master, for my son, for good health, for the mental and physical ability to earn a good living, and for the many friends and family who complete me. I am also grateful for the situations in life which I find disagreeable, for the people I dislike coping with, and the sadness that befalls my heart. For only in having good and bad, positive and negative, am I able to truly appreciate the wonderful things. Only when confronted with sadness can I also feel joy. I am thankful that I can cry, and mourn, feel anger, doubt, confusion, and despair, for these are the things which also allow me to laugh and celebrate, feel joy, certainty, clarity, and elation.

What are you thankful for?

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