Today is an – I’m happy to be alive day – pass it on!

No.  I told him.  First the economy and now the swine flu.  I told him of an article I’d written about staying positive in an economic recession.   I said – I guess I sound a little like Pollyanna.  Ever the optomist. 

“You know, that’s never a bad thing,” he assured me.

Then I came back to the office and an inspiring missive by Erma Bombeck in my email.  A wonderful positive message (see at the bottom of this post).  

On e-entertainment videos is the latest from Kirstie Alley who has gained back the 75 pounds she lost with Jenny Craig and is bound and determined to loose the weight again.  Faced with a huge goal (no pun intended) she is approaching it with a positive attitude!

So I just decided that today is the first day of the rest of my life and I’m going to view it through rose colored glasses!  Make the most of every moment.  Like Scarlett O’Hara – I’ll be stressed about the negative stuff tomorrow.  

What do you say – let’s make this an I’m happy to be alive day!  Imagine how our positive attitude will rub off all of those we come in contact with! 

IF I HAD MY LIFE TO LIVE OVER – by Erma Bombeck
 (written after she found out she was dying from cancer).

I would have gone to bed when I was sick instead of pretending the earth would go into a holding pattern if I weren’t there for the day. 
 
I would have burned the pink candle sculpted like a rose before it melted in storage. 
 
I would have talked less and listened more. 
 
I would have invited friends over to dinner even if the carpet was stained, or the sofa faded. 
 
I would have eaten the popcorn in the ‘good’ living room and worried much less about the dirt when someone wanted to light a fire in the fireplace. 
 
I would have taken the time to listen to my grandfather ramble about his youth. 
 
I would have shared more of the responsibility carried by my husband. 
 
I would never have insisted the car windows be rolled up on a summer day because my hair had just been teased and sprayed. 
 
I would have sat on the lawn with my grass stains.

I would have cried and laughed less while watching television and more while watching life. 
  
I would never have bought anything just because it was practical, wouldn’t show soil, or was guaranteed to last a lifetime. 
 
Instead of wishing away nine months of pregnancy, I’d have cherished every moment and realized that the wonderment growing inside me was the only chance in life to assist God in a miracle.

When my kids kissed me impetuously, I would never have said, ‘Later. Now go get washed up for dinner.’ There would have been more ‘I love you’s’ More ‘I’m sorry’s.’

But mostly, given another shot at life, I would seize every minute.look at it and really see it . live it and never give it back. STOP SWEATING THE SMALL STUFF!!!

 Don’t worry about who doesn’t like you, who has more, or who’s doing what
 Instead, let’s cherish the relationships we have with those who do love us.