‘I arise in the morning torn between a desire to improve the world and a desire to enjoy the world. This makes it hard to plan the day.’ E.B. White
This quote describes the cleft stick that many feel torn between. Or, are we improving the world by staying positive and doing the work we enjoy?
My letters to politicians may be a very small token to improve the world. I guess I must content myself with small increments. Improving the soil quality in our garden and growing our own vegetables brings satisfaction and cleaner air! Keeping the house clean makes it better on a micro level. Those small tasks completed to retain a semblance of order avoid chaos.
I used to think when my own grandmother was very old sitting in a chair and becoming negative, if only she could be aware that her thoughts are important! Positivity is contagious and helpful. Where as the opposite is also contagious, and can depress and hurt those you love.
So, as I get older, I am trying to take my own advice and remember to smile, as it uses fewer muscles than a frown. As my father used to say, ‘If you can’t think of something positive to say, say nothing.’
George Bernard Shaw wrote wisely about happiness: ‘The secret of being miserable is to have leisure to bother about whether you are happy or not. The cure for it is occupation.’
An amusing Noel Coward quote to finish on: ‘I’ve brought you here to enjoy yourself and you’re bloody well going to.’ Mother to child at the seaside, Cavalcade.
This prompt is kindly suggested by myathiestblog., as an alternative prompt from WP.
Barbara Pyett 
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Thanks again for the ping backs.
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Thanks for the ping backs.
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I understand your dilemma, I worry that I am doing so little to help the lives of people in dire trouble, and yet I seem to have my hands full keeping things rolling for the people close to home. I’m lucky to have a lot to smile about.
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We are both lucky in that regard Hilary! I’m sure your books give people much to ponder about! 🙂
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My parents became a bit curmudgeonly in the later years, but never cranky. One rule of life they held fast to was to never, ever talk about their health. “Too easy to complain about aches and pains,” my father would say. My mother said it drove her crazy to be stuck in a conversation that was only about hospital stays and doctor office visits. They wondered at why people their age only ever wanted to complain and criticize.
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A very wise choice for your parents to talk about everything, other than their ills. Something wise to remember! Thank you! 🙂
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I suppose I am lucky. If things get uncomfortable, I can always pretend not to understand, being born british in Switzerland, although Mr. Swiss tells me I am more Swiss than he is. Is that a compliment or is he just being nice.
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You always manage to make me smile, thank you for that! I’m sure your husband is proud of the way you have adapted! 🙂
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A series of sell selected quotes to ponder glued together with your own wisdom: a good way to start my Monday morning.
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Good thinking Aunt Beulah! I can picture you there with your inspirational quotes! 🙂
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Love this wonderful post and quotes! Best to you!
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Thank you JF, and the best to you too! 🙂
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You ask, Barbara, whether we are improving the world by staying positive and doing the work we enjoy. Well, as I come to the end of my life, I would definitely go for this. I mean any work that I can still do, I enjoy doing. Most of the time anyway. I reckon people who manage to stay positive probably have a better life.
It is terrible when people get so stressed that they cannot stand children’s noise any more.
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When we lived at McClelland Gallery we lived near and had quite a bit to do with Dame Elisabeth Murdoch. She lived to 104 and was the most positive woman. Even when there were difficulties, she would find something positive to say about it. She was an amazing inspiration to me. I really believe positive thoughts bring about positive outcomes.
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This is a real quote from my dad, who at times, found it hard to cope with lots of noisy kids running around. He told us to be quiet. I broke out in a giggle about something.
He said: “Who gave you permission to laugh?”
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He must have had a sense of humour like you! Lovely man. My father had a very dry sense of humour too.
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Love this, so wonderful!
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Thanks Cindy, I appreciate your words!
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I fear becoming the “crotchety old man”. I catch myself sometimes, but then I come to my senses. Smile. It actually matters. That’s been my motto on WordPress and in real life. If someone sees a smile, even if they aren’t next to you, it might be enough to keep them going.
Thank you for your post!
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A pleasure Mr. Atheist! 🙂
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