Up and At It-tude

It was back to business as usual today...no rest for the weary. Since I slept for most of the last two days, I was bright eyed and bushy tailed upon waking up this morning. That might be a "little" exaggeration, although, I am one of those morning people that makes all of the "not so morning people" sick. For me, the morning is representative of a new beginning; another chance. Fortunately for me, I am the only one (hopefully) that is keeping track of all my, "I swear I'll start tomorrows!" And as my dear friend, Bruce recently reminded me, "Everyday this side of the grass is a good one!" I love that!

Yesterday morning in between throwing up and getting ready for work, (probably too much information) I was watching the Today show (because that was what day it was)and listening to the most poignant interview between Matt Lauer and a thirty-eight year old man named Truman Duncan from Cleburne, Texas. Mr. Duncan was cut in half by a moving train car on his job as a railroad switch man. He smiled throughout the whole interview, showing no self-pity, whatsoever. "Life is good and life goes on," he repeated several times. I stood awestruck in my living room as my eyes welled up thinking how much the rest of us take for granted. It was becoming all too clear how trivial my life's "injustices" were. This half a man was more "whole" than I could hope to be.

So off I go to work today skipping on my TWO legs and stroking my very humbled demeanor. I turned on the radio and sang along with Nirvana's, "Come As You Are." I just had an epiphany! The definition of Nirvana is a place or state characterized by freedom from or oblivion to pain, worry, and the external world. Coincidence? I THINK NOT! Although, it is a little prophetic that Kurt Cobain, lead singer of Nirvana, took his own life.

Today, proved to be a wonderful day on so many levels. It is amazing what a positive attitude can produce. It is just THAT simple; a GREAT ATTITUDE! My co-workers noticed immediately. So what if I had a lingering cough, a runny nose and an achy body...I had a whole body. I have a job that I love and co-workers that are nothing short of amazing.

My to-do list for the day was short, but sweet. First, thank God for all of my blessings. Secondly, release and let go of any anger (it only makes you O-L-D!)Last, but certainly not least, LAUGH...which I never seem to have to work very hard at. The end result...my day was extremely productive, the color came back to my face, I mended fences with a dear friend whom I love very much, subsequently restoring my amazing karma, unmarred. I still couldn't wait to get home and into my sweatshirt and flannels. Even perfectly perfect days are hard work when you are feeling under the weather.

But first I needed to stop by the school and pick up the reason I get up every day. There he was coming down the slide as I walked into the school play yard. I sat down on a bench under a tree to watch him for a few minutes and to finish filling out the check for the chocolate bars I purchased from a classmate. Another wonderful mom joined me on the bench and presented me with a beautifully wrapped package, while chanting, "Happy Wednesday!!" I just stared at her and said, "What?" I truly thought it was a joke. I knew it had been a good day, and all, but I wasn't quite sure I deserved a present for it...or did I? I kept waiting for the punch line or one of those coiled up snakes that pop out of a can of "candy." She just kept repeating herself..."HAPPY WEDNESDAY!" Still I sat there staring and waiting. Finally, she said, "Just say, thank you." To which I replied, "Thank you."

Immediately I tried to give her my five candy bars (kindness begets kindness). She had already bought six of her own and wouldn't accept them. I told her I was just going to give them out at work the next day so she suggested that I put little notes on them and leave them anonymously and "wouldn't that be a wonderful way to brighten someones day?" Yes, yes, yes it would indeed! What a marvelous idea and what little effort it would take to make someone else smile.

Go make someone smile, but don't forget to start with yourself!
The Paper Whisperer

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pmy3vN44w38