Optimism...by choice

I hate to see you cry
Lying there in that position
There's things you need to hear
So turn off your tears
And listen

You know, it's nothing new
Bad news never had good timing
Then, circle of your friends
Will defend the silver lining

Pain throws your heart to the ground
Love turns the whole thing around
No it won't all go the way it should
But I know the heart of life is good
I know it's good

I have listened to this song about 47 times today. I just keep it on repeat. You know when you have those epiphanies? Where you feel like you catch a tiny glimpse of how you can make sense out of something? That is happening to me right now. I appreciate it.

This weekend has handed me a couple of bits of sadness. Situations beyond my control, but that directly affect me and my emotions. There has been worry, disappointment, confusion, frustration, concern... your typical laundry list of appropriate responses to bad news or crisis. The thing that is interesting, however, is that I feel a strange sense of optimism. I feel peace and security somewhere underneath the surface. As a currently-reforming control freak, I feel an ability to actually choose to be optimistic, in these situations over which I have no control. This is important, because if you function needing control, these things can literally overwhelm you.

I truly believe that the heart of life is good. There is heartache, no doubt. But regardless of what life hands you, you can choose to be optimistic! That is empowering. Maybe it's due in part to the many prayers of friends and family? Maybe a bit of personal effort? Maybe just some crazy kind of maturity on my part? (I am getting older, you know). Either way, it makes me want to extend myself, rather than curl up in my bed with the Snuggie of Defeat.

Good things.