I’m definitely a “the glass is half empty” kind of girl. I’m a pessimist. I tend to be negative. To most of the world I fake it. I smile. I joke. I join in conversations. But to my close friends and family, I let it all hang out. I’m NEVER going to get a job I like. I’m NEVER going get my ex off my back. I’m NEVER going to start exercising again. My life BITES right now. I gotta tell you – I couldn’t keep listening to me complain if I was one of my friends! So believe me when I say I have great friends. As I’ve mentioned before, when things are going well lots of people are there for you, ready to share in your glow, but it’s the folks who are there for you during the rough patches that are your true friends; the guys who take you for better or worse.

These days things aren’t so easy, and as I mentioned in my first blog, I was going to stop being so gloomy – and start rejoicing in the good. That was my new blog resolution, but really, it ain’t that easy! For example, I don’t have a solid job yet, I’ve got too many bills, I’m still not exercising… see… it’s so easy to focus on the negatives and wallow in gloom! But then again, I do have some exciting job prospects, the electricity is still on, and I just had a great annual check-up. I’ve got friends who exercise their butts off and eat ‘right,’ and they’re still taking this pill and that pill. My blood pressure? Perfect. Not bad for someone who can’t get back on that elliptical, doesn’t get enough sleep, has gone from weekend social drinker to a nightly cocktail, and has come to think of being stressed out daily as normal.

So what am I leading up to? Maybe being negative isn’t so bad. Why do I have to be positive? There are plenty of upbeat, happy- go- lucky people in the world. I’m an American for God’s sake! I’ve got certain rights! If I want to wallow in negativity and self pity then by God I will!

However… I won’t do it today. Today I am going to remain positive and upbeat at all times – even if it kills me. Just to prove that I can do it. As a matter of fact, I’m going to stick to thinking positively for the next few days. If things are pretty good (no wealth but health) when I approach life with negativity, what would happen if I really did approach it positively?

I can always slip back into my comfort negativity zone if I want to, right?
So for the next few days I’m going to be the “glass is half full” girl – even if that glass is opaque and I can’t see through it. I’m going to be all smiles and butterflies and happiness.

I’ll let you know what happens…

xoxo

My daughter is leaving in a few minutes to go back to UCF to finish up her sophomore year. I’m so proud of her! And my son is doing so much better in school – proud of him too! As for me, well, I’m feeling better about things in general. I’ve been offered a great job, I have another interview this week – there might be a light at the end of the tunnel – a welcoming light – not the white light you supposedly see before you kick the bucket!

It’s wonderful to have friends who have been, or are in, similar circumstances. Not that I wish my last eight months on anybody!! – I just think that when people have been there, experienced that, they just know…

Some events in life always seem to bring people together – tragedies, joyful occasions, recessions… Having people you care about around you for the joyful times is terrific, but having them there when you are miserable and not at your best, is even better.

So I am considering myself very lucky these days – supportive friends, wonderful family, an incredible fiance. The nasty stuff will work itself out – as one friend is always reminding me, “Nothing has to be finished or decided in one day. You have time..” Hmmm… maybe I should have her talk to the bill collectors?

Over and out for now – I’m sending positive energy through my computer to all of you…

xoxo
Write On!

I’ve been putting off writing an entry for my first blog (for this site) because I just didn’t know what to focus on or write about. I mean, I had to close my paper, Today’s Teen (well, the print version -you can catch it online and we’re going to rework it so all the fabulous teen writers out there can still be published ) – and when I did that, all the life kinda just slipped out of me. I mean, TT was my baby – an idea born at the kitchen table after discussing it with my kids. Today’s Teen went from a concept to an award winning nonprofit monthly newspaper, endorsed by the Palm Beach County School District in less than four years. We had more than 100,000 readers! Sound great, right? Well, I poured my heart and soul into that paper, and I so loved working with all the teens, but, suck it up to another casualty of our still sliding downward economy. Man – you’d think an educational vehicle where teens could be recognized for their work and practice their writing skills might survive unscathed, but NOPE – boy was I wrong.

OK – so let’s move beyond that. I’m back to freelancing while I look for a full-time gig (can you say benefits, 401K, vacation days?), and I’m doing that via Media Frenzy. (I know – good luck, right?) I also put up some work samples, so if you take time out of your very busy schedules to take a peak and spread the word, I’d be honored and grateful. Also new for me is twittering – thanks Nancy! Very cool concept. Users can follow others who twitter, and they can be followed as well. Anyone can post commentary, but whatever you’d like to share and say, you’ve got to do it in 140 characters or less. I’m still learning the ins and outs and everything in between, but it’s fun and I’ve already had some inquiries for my writing services.

Other than that, without getting too morose, just had a birthday and did a lot of reflecting. You know the “Why Me?” bug that’s been going around? Oh baby do I have it bad! Problems with the ex – slum dog ex-millionaire – that have been ongoing for months with no end in sight, closing the print edition of my paper, worrying about my folks… I could go on, but why? Compared to some, I know I should count my blessings. Two healthy kids (who will suck every last dime out of me – but I love them!!), a wonderful fiancé, and the ability to still be able to get up every day and say thanks for what I do have, so why the self pity party? I don’t know! What I do know is that tomorrow I’m going to wake up and start a fresh new day. I’m going to shelve the pity, get on my damn elliptical that just sits there collecting dust, and I’m going to keep plugging away at finding some inner happiness (and a larger paycheck).

To all my teen writers: I told you when I closed the paper that you should keep writing – no matter what – and I’ve decided to take my own advice. As I said in the last issue of TT this past January, I encourage every teen out there to keep writing, because writing is free therapy, nurturing for the soul and it’s not fattening!

Write On!
Gwen