Through the years, I have seen, over and over, how certain people are simply determined to be miserable and negative. No matter the circumstances, they are incessantly angry and sour. Artificial happiness, thrust onto display for public image and other people’s shallow consumption, is the best they can scrounge.
I am grateful that even during our mightiest struggles, even during relentless attacks by jealous and bitter people, my husband and I have always found joy with each other. We still find countless reasons to smile, to laugh, to appreciate life. We have never been defeated by the hate in other people’s hearts.
I can’t imagine spending each day, every single day, immersed in misery, drowning in envy, with bitterness and resentment darkening everything I see, feel, hear. I have seen what living like that does. For over 16 years, I have watched someone wither, inside and out, uglier each day by her own choices and actions. It’s more than evident, after all this time, that she has no intention (and likely no ability) to ever be anything but what she is now, and that is a terrifying prospect, to be permanently stuck in that abysmal ditch and not even desire to climb out.
It’s an important lesson to everyone around her, including me. It reinforces my resolve to always, always search for the positive, grasp onto hope, continuously seek growth and improvement, discover simple pleasures and even the smallest gift in each day. Life is not to be merely endured. It should offer meaning, purpose, revelation, love. If it doesn’t, then find it! Don’t settle for slowly but steadily decaying while still alive.
Sweat & Sparkle 