Pollyanna’s Perfect Life June 30, 2010
Posted by nrhatch in Gratitude, Happiness, Humor, Mindfulness, People.trackback
We are socialized to share our cares, concerns, trials, tribulations, and troubles . . . while glossing over our successes.
People don’t want to hear about Pollyanna and her “perfect life.”
Why is that?
I’m not sure.
I’d rather be around optimistic positive people than naysayers and doom and gloomers; others don’t seem to share my enthusiasm for success stories.
I expect that different folks have different reasons for avoiding the Pollyanna’s they encounter:
(1) Some want to wallow in their own sorrow and self-pity, and continue playing the victim, without being reminded that other options are available.
(2) Others believe that we should share the negatives in our lives while standing around the “water cooler” so that “Good Samaritans” can earn brownie points for cheering us up.
(3) Some want to be the center of attention at all times – their glorious EGOs are not happy sharing the spotlight with anyone else.
(4) Others believe that sharing “good news” is akin to bragging, and therefore, to be avoided at all cost.
Whatever the reason, if we don’t follow the rules, if we are too happy, others are apt to get annoyed.
So be it.
Let them get annoyed.
After all, we’re doing them a favor . . .
We’re giving them something to whine and moan about next time they find themselves at the water cooler with nothing of import to say.
Quote: If you want to sing out, sing out. If you want to be free, be free. There’s a million ways to be . . . you know that there are. ~ Cat Stevens
Related posts: Our Deepest Fear * A Minuet in Time * Do What You Love (Dr. Alisa Cooper) * Art as a Way of Life * Do What You Will * Water Over The Dam * Live Your Life * Free To Be . . . Me * Doubt * Life Lessons ~ Randy Pausch * The Last Lecture (Randy Pausch)
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Spirit Lights The Way 
Thank you for this!
You are welcome!
I’m tired of “un-kind” and “un-generous” people trying to squash the happiness and success of others.
If you’re happy and you know it . . . sing out loud! : )
I’m singing… LOUD…!!!
Nancy, you ALWAYS have something important to say, which is why I’m still here… or I’d be standing at the water cooler pissing off all the nay-sayers… Your posts keep me simultaneously elevated and grounded. Thanks!
Thanks, Joanne!
Glad you’re still around. Besides, it’s far too easy to annoy the nay-sayers . . . they make themselves miserable with hardly a wink, a whisper, or a nudge from us. ; )
Life is all a matter of perspective, isn’t it? I’d rather be victorious than a victim. Attitudes are contagious so I’d rather be around positive people!
Me too!
Thanks for stopping by and sharing your positiveness!
YAY! I’m shouting LOUD! No good hanging out with the wrist-gnawing brigade for me. What’s the song from ELO … oh, here, found them. Want to sing along:
Don’t bring me down,no no no no no, I’ll tell you once more before I get off the floor; Don’t bring me down…
That’s perfect, Cindy!
Here’s to the power of positive people!
Om My.. its like I could have done this piece myself. How awesome!
We think, we feel we emote….
Given the choice.. I’ll emote but will not believe I know what the history of someone else/~
As soon as you mentioned Pollyanna and the Glad Game, I knew I had to share the link to this post with you.
I have “annoyed” people on many occasions because of my general positivity. I can live with that! 😉