I was at a loss on what to write about this week. So much negativity in the news with school shootings, peace officer shootings, and of course the impact statements of victims of Larry Nassar. While we want to know what is going on in our world, and all of these items are certainly newsworthy, it still can oppress the spirit and drain you of energy.
Image and Quote found online Author unknown
Then I was online and stumbled across a cute little Good Morning image. It immediately made me smile. The visual impact of a buggy eyed frog grinning as it precariously hangs on by its feet from a tree branch is enough to bring a grin to anyone’s face. The message “Good Morning, Have a Happy Day” just says it all. Regardless of what your situation make the best of it.
We are a visual world and it seems we are constantly burdened with negative images. TV programs that we watch for relaxation are often crime or medical dramas, the news is laden with the negative rather than the positive, newspapers frequently spotlight the worst of the worst rather than the best of the best on their front pages. Even video games that our youth play are laden with crime….car jackings, gun fights, fist fights, and even sex and/or hookers can appear in these games. What kind of message is this sending? What kind of an impact is all this negative focus having on not only adults, but more importantly on children and teens?
Image and Quote found online Author unknown
Take a look at another quote I found online. This image, even without the quote, portrays sadness. The little boy wearing miss-matched clothing, walks away with his head bowed.
The visual impact is an overall feeling of desolation. The quote “Sometimes it’s better to be alone nobody can hurt you” confirms what the photo says. You wonder what happened to this little boy that he is feeling so desperate and alone. Is there abuse in the home? Is he being bullied at school? Is he lacking in friends?
The viewer’s mood is impacted by this image in a caring, sympathetic way, but the image also has a tendency to give a feeling of depression to the viewer.
Image and Quote found online Author unknown
We are a visual society. We are a society impacted by a lot of negativity in our lives. The way each person approaches life and the way they conduct themselves when dealing with others has a large impact not only on their own life, but also on that of others. It is easy to be nice, happy and courteous to a buggy eyed, smiling frog. Keep in mind that the difficult adult or child you encounter may inside be that little boy, dealing with demons you are unaware of and can not even begin to imagine. Regardless of who you are dealing with, try to be that kind, smiling frog in any situation. Be kind and courteous and maybe you can turn their attitude around in the process.
Smile – Be Happy – Have a Great Day!
So, now that I am over the hill and rolling down it toward 60 I need to keep a positive focus and concentrate on fully utilizing the young gene. My hair can turn gray…there are people that purposely put grey in their hair for accent. I can gradually switch over to glasses if needed, after all young people wear fun and trendy glasses all the time. I will regain mobility after my ankle fusion and should be back to normal by late next spring. Most importantly, I refuse to grow old. Old is a state of mind, and my mind is not going there.
--- LIFE IS A MELTING POT --- Grace Grogan...Writer, Photographer 