Based on today's prevailing and profound negativity, guess one is supposed to see nothing good, either in daily life or on the horizon. Most certainly all forms of mainstream media relish in "reporting" the negative, particularly since journalism has yielded to blatant opinion mongering. It has reached a point that many a friend, from both sides of the political spectrum, report no longer reading newspapers and online "news" or watching the broadcast news. Who in their right mind wants to be inundated with the negative?
Pundits, commentators, opinion mongers, and politicians spent the end of the year bemoaning 2018 and predicting nothing but horrible for all of 2019. OK. If desiring to wallow in the negative, 2018 can provide plenty of ingredients for a pity party stew. Choose your poison: politics, economics, social, legal, national, international, and on and on. Wallow if you want, but doing so misses the uplifting. The positive.
In my life, strong faith and family love begin every single day on a positive note. Contact with friends, near and far, is reinforcing. Blessed with great health and fitness, the energy derived from a rigorous physical morning workout is uplifting. As a military veteran, having served our nation is a constant source of pride. And giving back to the community is so very, very satisfying.
The most enjoyable times are those spent with family. From the very simple act of sharing coffee with my bride in the morning, to a full on family get together, and everything in between, these times produce that unique form of happiness that fills and warms the heart.
Close to the joy of family time is that spent with close friends. At an age now that includes individuals with decades of friendship, it really is wonderful to share times, simple laughs, and memories.
In the broader community, I deliberately chose to participate with the Patriot Guard Riders. The missions provide three crucial functions: supporting the family of a fellow veteran or active duty service member who is being laid to rest; standing with the like minded to honor someone's military service; and reinforcing the brotherhood and camaraderie that were so important during those days in uniform. And we do it all under flag of our great nation. (That I get to ride the Harley-Davidson motorcycle at the missions is a side benefit.)
If you want to wallow in negativity, go for it. More's the pity, however.
Choose instead to enjoy the positives in 2019.
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