Abraham Lincoln once said, “When you look for the bad in mankind, expecting to find it, you surely will.” In my case, I’d argue that you could substitute “holidays” or “situations” or even “life” for “mankind”. Despite the rampant commercialization for monetary gain and the obvious intellectual land grab for what clearly is spiritual territory—there is still good to be found this time of year.
So, in my absolute disgust with all the grinching going on this year over the holidays—I’ve put a personal moratorium on all things that don’t honor at least the spirit of the holidays. However, it’s a mistake to simply point out what angers you and whine incessantly about it. I think you have to make a choice to participate in the solution.
Part of the solution, for me anyhow, is to be reading voices that aren’t content to just whine. To surround myself with people who are choosing to opt out of the frenzy and opt into the joy. One in particular, wrote an amazing post on the subject. I “borrowed” his last line as a title which I think sums up my take on the holidays quite well. Blinders on, mind wide open.
Go read Tom.
I agree. No whining! Good on you for finding another positive spin and bringing light to it.
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I don’t know about you, but I feel like we have so much to be thankful for this year. 🙂 ~W
Yay – great post. I vote for you for best advice of the day and the season(s)… Happy Thanksgiving!! 🙂
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Happy Thanksgiving to you as well! ~W
Aw, gee, shucks, ya’ all made me blush…
A side note:
Every year I try to have a theme with the gifts I give. One year, I only gave items that were made within 120 miles of where I lived. Another year, all the gifts did not require electricity.
This year, my goal is to give everyone on my (short) list something they had no idea that they wanted, but will use every day. I will not add to collections or pick from their list- to do so (in my mind) is only half of a step from handing them cash.
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Oh, right there with you! You will have to keep us posted via your blog on your progress with the gift items. 🙂 ~W
Inspiring! I wish I wouldn’t keep misplacing my blinders. I could use them for some other situations.
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Yeah, I’m thinking the same thing… Happy Thanksgiving! 🙂 ~W
It is important to TRY to remain positive because negativity can drag you down pretty fast. I have actually had a pretty good week in the classroom–not so much today however. A former student did visit; she is at WSU, visited FRance last summer and everything is going very well for her. I love hearing stories of success, where I played a pivotal role. Happy Thanksgiving!
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Happy Thanksgiving, Margaret! You are one of the most positive people I know… and I’m thankful for you! :) ~W