Misery Loves Company...

You all have heard and probably even used this common quote...I know that I have. Sadly but true, this quote is truth...

We all go through our lives carrying our hurts, victories, and lessons learned...our baggage. Often when our bags are filled with anger, resentment, pain, neglect, abandonment and so forth, it is reflected in our everyday demeanor. We become miserable. All the time. And normally don't have a problem showing that misery and sharing it with everyone around us. Finding the negative side of things in all situations, the "glass half empty syndrome", if you will. For those of you or us whose bags aren't filled with so many negative and hurtful experiences life's perspective is totally different. Finding the brighter side of situations isn't so difficult and hoping for the best doesn't seem pointless and like a waste of time. Now, when putting 2 people with 2 opposing mindsets together for an extended period of time, more often than not, the perspective of the person carrying the "not so happy" baggage is going to negatively affect the typically positive person.


I used to have more of a negative outlook on life. Typically hoping for the worst to avoid disappointment. A defense mechanism at it's best. Life is crazy and often the craziness that occurs to us whether self-inflicted (for lack of a better term) or not, can develop a calloused, jaded, resentful person. I never really realized I was being negative until after doing some self reflection, self-observation, and a ton of prayer...not a fun thing to discover about yourself, I must admit.


I guess I'm saying all of this to say...when you are suffering from "the glass half empty syndrome", often you are a dream-crusher, incredibly difficult to be around and ultimately toxic to others around you...especially your loved ones. I am still working and growing in this area...I want to be more of an encourager, a supporter, a looking on the brighter-side of things thinker and simply fun to be around...I have found so much value in the relationships I have with people who are positive and supportive. I am constantly inspired by them. Having a positive state of mind is definitely a choice. Often we have to work through some things to get there, but with God all things are possible. And in order to be all that He would have us to be we have make sure we're taking care of ourselves emotionally so that we can be a reflection of Christ's love, sensitivity and hope to others. Because I'm completely convinced that He delights in His children bringing hope and joy to others...especially to those who are hopeless and in pain.