Vent Time with That Girl Abbey

Ralph Waldo Emerson once said “People do not seem to realize that their opinion of the world is also a confession of character.”

I like this very much. You know why? Because it forces us to take some responsibility for our perspectives.

We are not assigned points of view, despite many people’s impressions. On our first birthday we are not handed a card that says “grumpy and suspicious” or “naïve and optimistic.” It can be a decision.

Sometimes it is a big decision that demands great strength and poise. “Even though I was undeniably dealt a difficult hand in life, I will overcome the mistakes of others that have caused tragic obstacles for me. I will forgive, learn from their mistakes and shortcomings, and flourish despite the raw deal.”

Sometimes it is a little decision that demands a bit of mood control. “While I am here stuck in traffic, hungry and headachy, I will not drive like a reckless maniac and exhibit unwarranted frustration at everyone driving around me.”

With all of the terribly difficult things that exist in the world, I think it takes strength to remain a positive person. I have regularly found myself in environments where it has been “cooler” to be brooding and moody. (i.e.: middle school, high school, lame college parties, artistic workplaces, corporate stuffy workplaces, writing seminars, professional conferences, the list goes on.) For some reason people like to distinguish themselves as “the lady who complained about the lack of free muffin variety”, or “the guy who decided every piece of literature presented ‘was crap.”

Done with that. While these types have condescendingly labeled me “bubbly,” have they ever considered that maybe the happy ones got it right? Maybe the cynical hard ass dramatic analytical types have just missed the boat? For everyone I know who thinks the world and the people in it suck, I ask you, have you maybe just decided that being boring and negative yourself, it feels better to see the rest of us this way, as well?
Not me. I’m planting roots in this sunny disposition. And, I would love some company!