Do you recognize the good when you are in the middle of it?
Is our society so involved with the negative that we can’t see the positive? It seems society, as a whole, is so focused on the negative that when we have good times we don’t even recognize them until they have past. If that is so, how do we enjoy each day? I suppose we can only do that as a collective body of individuals. I think that is why I love so many bloggers – in general, they see the good! Good only bring good! Don’t you think?
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There are 8 Comments to "Do you recognize the good when you are in the middle of it?"
It is easier to express and recognize the negative I sometimes think. We are trained to be critical in school. The negative bangs us over the head with its force. The goodness of good times is more subtle. If it is a quiet good we may have a hard time recognizing and acknowledging it. There can even been good in the so called negative. It all depends on our angle of vision. I think it is honorable and courageous to look at the world through the kindly eyes of goodness. Good topic, Goody Kim. You know, I say that as in colonial times women were called Goody. I dont really know what that means or referred to.
Hi Suki, I think you might be right that it is easier for most people to recognize and express the negative. Ah Ha! Isn’t that sad how we are trained to be critical and think of what isn’t rather than what is not? I completely agree with you there…then I think there are those who just naturally gravitate that way. There sure can be good in what is normally thought of as negative, however it seems to me that there are a lot of people who fail to recognize that, too. I try very hard to focus on the good things, however I am not always successful. I may have mentioned this before, but one thing which is so helpful with this is keeping a gratitude journal. Each day/evening I write down all of the things I am grateful for that day (and try to not let myself off for any less than 5). This is something Oprah offered up many years ago and I started doing it (of course, I put my own twist on it all).
That is interesting about the women in colonial times being called “Goody”! I wonder if it because they truly were exceptionally good to be pioneers…because that was a brutal life for anyone! Do you think it was a way of acknowledging the good they spread?
I am glad you like the topic. I can say that staying positive sure does make a difference in my life, and I can be brought down by collective negativity. Interesting though, I am a better foul weather friend than fair weather friend! I am not sure why, but I think it is because I believe in the power of the individual to make their lives better.
Thanks Suki. You know I love, love, love your insights here!
thanks for your reply kim. I looked up “goody.” It refers to goodwife (male counterpart is goodman) and was used in England, Scotland and the Colonial US instead of today’s Mrs., Miss or Ms. Earliest known usage was 1325. Of course completely not used today.
Hi Suki, so you would be Goody Suki. Well, I think that is kind of cool, because I have always wanted to call you Good Suki! True, I kind of have these names I feel compelled to call some people and in my head you are Good Suki! Seriously, 1325! I wonder what they used before that?
You know, I also thought after I wrote the last comment to you that one of my favorite quotes fits in with this discussion. Leonard Cohen sings a song Anthem and there is a line in there I think is one of the best. It is: “There is a crack in everything, that is how the light gets in.” I just love thinking about that! Later on in the song there is a line “You can add up the parts and still not have the sum.” This one appeals to my non-math brain!
Anyway, I thought I would share that!
Thanks for the information about Goody! I had no idea, but now I do!
i think you are totally right on people seeing the negative…. seems to be the human condition. i love looking at art blogs. great antidote!
Hi Kim, Unless we give it some thought, being a “down” person can be much easier and less effort than being “up”. But how much more rewarding to look for the good in situations, don’t you think?
I heard that wonderful funny song from Monty Python today “Always look on the bright side of life…”, and it made me think that we have the choice of how we will be. t
There’s also a saying that I love “whether you think you can, or think you can’t, you’re right”.
So why not be positive? Right or wrong, it makes me feel good!
Arohanui. xx
Thank you for visiting and posting, Clare! It is lovely to have you here and I hope you will join in the discussions more. I see you are from London…one of my favorite cities! Negativity does seem to be the human condition, how right you are! Sad, though.
Hi Lesley, the path of least resistance is surely the one most people love to follow…even though it is often that path which stops us down the road. I agree with you that the reward is so much greater when we take the time and effort to look at the positive! Yes, that is a funny song, but so true, isn’t it? We do have a choice and that is a beautiful thing, indeed. Now I love this saying “whether you think you can, or think you can’t, you’re right” We draw to us what we believe! It makes me feel good to consider the positive, too! Oh it is so much more pleasant to live that life. Thank you so much, Lesley. You always have wise words to share, and I love each of them.