Saturday, November 21, 2009

Think Positive...and...Be Positive

Hello my friends, I want to share an e-mail with you that I received, why? I have not reached John's level of optimism but I try and I do believe and love how he thinks.

John is the kind of guy you love to hate. He is always in a good mood and always has something positive to say. When someone would ask him how he was doing, he would reply, "If I were any better, I would be twins!"

If an employee was having a bad day, John was there telling the employee how to look on the positive side of the situation.

Seeing this style really made me curious, so one day I went up and asked him, "I don't get it!"

You can't be a positive person all of the time....How do you do it?"

He replied, "Each morning I wake up and say to myself, you have two choices today. You can choose to be in a good mood or....you can choose to be in a bad mood.

"I choose to be in a good mood."

Each time something bad happens, I can choose to be a victim or...I can choose to learn from it. "I choose to learn from it".

Every time someone comes to me complaining, I can choose to accept their complaining or... I can point out the positive side of life. I choose the positive side of life.

"Yeah, right, it's not that easy", I protested.

Yes it is "he said. "life is all about choices. When you cut away all the junk, every situation is a choice. You choose how you react to situations. You choose how people affect your mood.

You choose to be in a good mood or bad mood. The bottom line: "It's your choice how you live your life."

I reflected on what he said. Soon hereafter, I left the Tower Industry to start my own business. We lost touch, but I often thought about him when I made a choice about life instead of reacting to it.

Several years later, I heard that he was involved in a serious accident, falling some 60 feet from a communications tower.

After 18 hours of surgery and weeks of intensive care, he was released from the hospital with rods placed in his back.

I saw him about six months after the accident.

When I asked him how he was, he replied, "If I were any better, I'd be twins...Wanna see my scars?"

I declined to see his wounds, but I did ask him what had gone through his mind as the accident took place?

"The first thing that went through my mind was the well-being of my soon-to-be born daughter," he replied. "Then, as I lay on the ground, I remembered that I had two choices: I could choose to live or... I could choose to die. I chose to live."

Weren't you scared? Did you lose consciousness? I asked

He continued, "the paramedics were great. They kept telling me I was going to be fine. But .... when they wheeled me into the ER and I saw the expressions on the faces of the doctors and nurses, I got really scared. In their eyes, I read.."He's a dead man". I knew I needed to take action.

What did you do? I asked.

Well, there was big burly nurse shouting questions at me, said John. "She asked if was allergic to anything, "Yes, I replied. The doctors and nurses stopped working as they waited for my reply... I took a deep breath and yelled, "Gravity"

Over their laughter, I told them, "I am choosing to live. Operate on me as if I am alive, not dead."

He lived, thanks to the skill of his doctors, but also because of his amazing attitude...I learned from him that every day we have the choice to live fully.

After all today is the tomorrow you worried about yesterday.

You have two choices: Ignore John's wise and humbling words or you can live your life as fully as John has. I have made my choice........have you?

Have a wonderful weekend everyone....God Bless and many, many hugs....:-)

50 comments:

Gail said...

HI BERNIE=

"thank you" SO much for this wonderful, inspirational post!! I love it. And I know every word written is so true - we all have a choice every day as to how we live, how we act, react - we cannot control what life offers but we are in charge of what we do with what life offers every day.
Again, thank you Bernie - "thank you". Have a wonderful weekend.

Love to you
Gail
pece.....

Diana said...

Oh Bernie I love both you and John.
Yes this is most definitely the way that I choose to live my life.
I do have my down times but that is when I talk myself out of it. It is a choice. Unless of coarse there is a
physiological problem.
I love what you said at the end of your post.
Today is the tomorrow that you worried about yesterday. This is so true, and when you look at the big picture of life it goes by too fast to waste time worrying about things that haven't even happened!
Happy weekend to you Bernie.
Love Di

Anvilcloud said...

I don't do it nearly as well as John, but I do believe that it's all about choice. I also believe that due to something internal, it is easier for some than others to make the choice. They must still do it, but it might take them longer to make it.

Anonymous said...

I believe that for sure. I have always been able to do that, but after so many times of feeling like death warmed over for no reason I started thinking more positive. Your friend John was wise beyond his years. Glad you heard from him.
QMM

Eileen said...

I recently got this forwarded to me too in an email.
I love this, it is so very touching!

And, seriously, it reminded me of all of you fellow bloggers!
I think it could have been written about almost any one of you!

God Bless you, Bernie!
Love to you!,
Eileen

Barb said...

John's advise will be my one good thing for today, Bernie - and you, as the messanger, of course!

Wanda..... said...

Hello Bernie...I don't believe you need any advice on improving your outlook on life...you are one of the most positive thinking people I know! It's good to have a touch of humor to relieve stressful situations...but in some cases that could backfire and make matters worse sometimes.

Take care and enjoy your Sunday Bernie!
Luv and Smiles,
Wanda

Jackie said...

Oh Bernie...This is a wonderful blog....wonderful attitude.
One I hope to emulate...one day.
What a fine example to be able to follow. Thank you for sharing this.
Smiles to you from Jackie

Valerie said...

That man is inspirational, and amazing. I'm not bad at helping others choose the right way of thinking but it's a different matter when it comes to me. I have improved with age though. I remember years ago, I must have been in my late twenties, I had the weight of the world on my shoulders. Sitting next to a complete stranger on a bus, I must have looked worried because the man suddenly started talking. His first words were 'Live for today, not tomorrow.' I never forgot that man and his words have lived with me ever since.

Jinksy said...

Yep, if you look for the best, you usually find it!

Blessings each day said...

Hi sweet Bernie,

It's so good to be here and commenting! That is a super marvelous story and the way we should all try to be, for sure. Sometimes we need to see things like this over and over or maybe have it tatooed on our foreheads (not only would it be a great remindeer but it would even cover wrinkles...how's that for positive thinking?)!

Thanks for shring this and for being a ppositive thinker too!

blessings and positively hearty hugs for you,

marcy

Anne said...

Good morning, Bernie,
What a inspiring post to see this morning! Thinking postive about life that is the best way to be! Life is too short to think negativitly.
Have a wonderful weekend, Bernie.
Take care.

Rebecca said...

Challenged by John's life and words, choose to BE positive today. Thanks for passing this on, Bernie. Blessings on your home, your heart, and your health today.

Bernie said...

Gail, I loved this story as well, I am sure it will make it's rounds but I don't think one can read it too often.....:-) Hugs

Bernie said...

Di, I always try to see the good in everything but I too falter at times....Life is good, beautiful really isn't it....:-) Hugs

Bernie said...

A/C, I don't think there are many people who could do it as well as John but the moral of the story to me is too always try....some do find it easier than others for sure.....:-) Hugs

Bernie said...

Peggy, this story came to me in an e-mail and I loved it so much I just had to share it with my blogger friends.....we all have bad days and times I agree, but we do have a "choice" in how we react to them, you are a very positive person my friend....:-) Hugs

Bernie said...

Eileen, I agree....I think bloggers who find common ground become friends who are always there for each other....didn't you just love this e-mail? Hugs to Jayden and Mila........:-)

Bernie said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Bernie said...

Barb, how are you in winter wonderland....John's advice is good wherever one lives isn't it? Have a beautiful Sunday....:-) hugs

Bernie said...

Wanda my dear friend, I too have known sad times but I so loved John's story, just had to share it as I believe in the philosophy of this story.....Hugs to Alivia...:-)

Bernie said...

Jackie, I am missing your post, are you taking a break?
This is a lovely story isn't it, I loved it......:-) Hugs

Bernie said...

Val, I too am good at helping others see things in a different light but not so good with myself, perhaps we are too close to the situation......:-) Hugs

Bernie said...

jinsky, and if we look hard enough there is always something good, even in the worst of times...Hugs

Bernie said...

Marcy, I have missed you so much. Hope all is better now with the clean up.....I just had to share this story once I read it Marcy, even though I believe our group is a positive one.....:-) Hugs

Bernie said...

Anne, positive is a good thing always, we all have sad times I know but we always come out the other side so we might as well be happy as miserable.....:-) Hugs

Bernie said...

Rebecca, thank you for your most welcome blessings....John's story is a beautiful read isn't it...Hugs

Maggie May said...

Yes...... I've made my choice! I'm gonna fight & live!
So thankful to have read this post. Very inspirational.What a great guy and he's still touching people with his words of wisdom.

Nuts in May

Bernie said...

Maggie, good for you....not only will you fight but you will win and we all will be the better for it....love how honest your post are, it is so enjoyable and refreshing to read the truth...Hugs

The Retired One said...

Right on, Bernie!!!!!
He is absolutely correct. Life is all about choices, and if we stay positive we can do so many things we never thought possible.
A wonderful post, my friend.
I can think of no one more positive than you, Bernie. I am so glad you have come into my life!

Bernie said...

Hi Joan, I do try to be positive but haven't reached John's level yet......I do believe in being positive even on the bad days. Hope you had a happy Sunday...Hugs

Cindy said...

Bernie, I had read that before, it is beautiful isn't it/ It is all about choices. I know I made a few good ones this weekend...Thanks Bernie for always bessing our day with your kindness. Take care.

Marian Dean said...

What a wonderful tale! I really must try and be more positive in life.
I so enjoy your posts Bernie.
Love Granny

Cindy said...

Bernie please stop by my blog, I have left you something there. Thanks for passing that message on to Jackie for me. I really appreciated it. Take care.

glnroz said...

i think i am doing better now..lol

Bernie said...

Hi cinner, so glad you made good choices this weekend, I had a very quiet and relaxing weekend...:-)Hugs

Bernie said...

Granny, I find you very positive with a wonderful sense of humor..Hugs

Bernie said...

glnroz, so glad you are doing better now.....:-) Hugs

Bernie said...

Hi cinner, will be over shortly my friend.....:-) Hugs

Gloria said...

OMG ... goose bumps . . all over my body. A great and inspiring post and one that I needed to read right now.

I've been up since just after 4am .. so much to do as we depart Spain early tomorrow morning. I was feeling a little desolate at having to leave my home here in Spain to return to England, a place I don't want to. Now though, after reading your post, I have a different head on . . silver lining etc! and now I'm taking a precious half hour to take a last, for now look at some of my favourite on-line blogger-friends!

Have a great Christmas friend and, (hopefully) be back again soon :-)xxx

Simply Debbie said...

DEAR BERNIE,
SUCH A JOY TO MEET YOU. THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR VISITING MY BLOG AND LISTENING TO MY TEARS I POURED OUT OVER THE GOING HOME OF MY DAUGHTER. TO LOSE A CHILD IS SUCH A PAINFUL THING. I RESPECT YOU HAVING WALKED THAT ROMAN ROAD YOURSELF...AND ANY OF YOUR WISDOM AND TEARS WILL BE GREATLY APPRECIATED. I KNOW OUR FAITH GETS US THROUGH AND TIME...TIME WITH ME SEEMS TO WORSEN. BUT I GUESS IT IS BECAUSE OF THE HOLIDAYS AND SHE WAS THE LIGHT OF MY HOLIDAYS.
I SURE LIKE YOUR YELLOW CAR...I BET YOU DO FEEL LIKE QUEEN OF THE ROAD DRIVING THAT A LONG.
HAPPY THANKSGIVING SWEET BERNIE. I AM SURE GLAD GOD BROUGHT YOU INTO MY LIFE.
ANGEL HUGS
DEBBIE

Bernie said...

Debbie, you are beginning such a long journey through grief...be patient and kind to yourself....it is something that is so personal and you will have good and bad days but you will come out the other side my friend, you have your faith and people who love you and you know that Amy is now free from pain.....my heart and prayers are with you always......:-) Hugs

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Thanks,
Peter- Own a new business

Tranquility Speaks said...

What a lovely email forward and so kind of you to share it with everyone! If we cut the junk, life sure is about choices. We can't avoid what happens to us, but we can choose our reaction to whatever happened. I wish I master this one day! Happy Thanksgiving Bernie.Hope you had a nice time :)

Bernie said...

Hello Tranquility, so nice to have you back....attitude means everything my friend....:-) Hugs

Bernie said...

Peter, thank you for your kind words and good luck with your business endeavour....:-) Hugs

Silver said...

I have received this from a friend some time ago too. We can always use a leaf of its wisdom for sure!

hugs,
~Silver

June Saville said...

What a great post Bernie. I love John deeply already.
How's your yellow speed wagon?
June in Oz

Anonymous said...

Very, very, very true ... Love it!!

Shimo said...

Thanks for sharing this. It is very inspiring