OPTIMISTICALLY

The world could use a slice of optimism – a large slice. With a side of gratitude.

And a dollop of calm.

We’ve just spent a few weeks with our grandkids – all 7! – really positivitying my view of the world: They’re like adults who haven’t yet been ‘ruined’ by the world.

Who wake up every day, alert to life’s possibilities.

That’s why I’m starting a Rent-A-Grandkid franchise, so folks can focus on the good, and have some fun.

Rent a few for the weekend, and have a blast; if you’re like us, you don’t worry about their condition upon return, or the mileage you put on.

They definitely demand your attention – making sure the house is childproofed, everyone adequately sunscreened? Do I smell smoke? – crowding out daily stress.

Because when things get stressful, they’re back to their parents… getting along with your grandkids due to shared enemies.

But time with them reminds of the future’s promise, that optimism is uniquely human: A dog never wakes up thinking things will get better.

And after time together, gratitude sets in – we are so lucky to have them.

But an enemy of optimism and gratitude is anger, which is seemingly everywhere, people’s blood angried up.

I read that folks are unhappy, future skeptical; maybe we need to change our ‘environments’, and find more positivity.

Maybe it’s social media, spending lots of time scrolling – almost like a gigantic time waster…

I definitely see it on Substack, where I also post BATN, which is like ‘Written Instagram’, full of articles covering a broad range of topics – but without pictures of other folk’s kids.

Like the world at large, lots of anger: The political posts are half anti-Trump, half pro-Trump, half neutral, each with an attention-grabbing headline designed to grab – or terrify – readers.

And don’t you dare mention flock cameras or data centers, or you’ll have a group of ‘activists’ screaming on your front lawn.

Fortunately, the upside of being an ‘older’ is indifference – I haven’t done an Old Man Rant for a while; though I do the occasional Shakes Fist Angrily! Old habits die hard.

Short of being struck by lightning and staring contentedly into space for the rest of your life, there are ways to become more optimistic.

And while I’m no expert, this is my post, so my ‘worth what you’re paying for them’ thoughts include:

My favorite, my morning beach walk; your equivalent might be getting out of your home and devoting some time to yourself.

I read exercise is great for making you more optimistic; perhaps, but I’ve been on the 2-beer diet lately, and that’s my favorite part of the day with My Captor.

Maybe go to a wedding, where the future’s promise is really on display.

Or a funeral, and think “Thank God, that’s not me!”

The easy/hard part is avoiding the internet and TV political coverage – watching the ‘news’, ‘aint a happy place.

And it really isn’t that exciting to be an algorithm…

Tough to do, but you can ignore or divert anger-inducing topics; one method shouting “How ‘bout those Dawgs!” (insert your local team), to break up a tense-ifying discussion.

Ultimately, gratitude might be the key: If you are able to wake up every morning (victory #1) and remind yourself how lucky you are (victory #2), you’re off to a great start.

As my favorite author writes: Every day’s a gift from God, and you honor Him – and yourself – by making the most of it.

Or for your dollop of calm, when renting grandkids, take their picture when they’re asleep – best part of the day!

ENHANCE YOUR ENJOYMENT OF THIS POST, PAIR WITH THE FOLLOWING ‘AGING HIPSTER MUSIC/READING’:

A Beck single has been released, with the album due on September 18^th. As a big fan – Sea Change on the box now, as every other week – I regard it as an early birthday present.

And Love Is Not Enough still available on Amazon. What a great read for anyone who has dealt with mental health or addiction issues. Or just wants to read about family love and recovery.