Glass is Half Full

I have always viewed myself as a somewhat negative person because I view life from a jaded perspective. I grew up in a normal middle-class family in a not so normal high school. I knew plenty of drug dealers and criminals as a teen and lost several friends due to early deaths. I chose guys who were all wrong for me and who liked to cheat. Before I was eighteen, I had lived every bad after-school special scenario and had the emotional and physical scars to prove it.

When I moved away to college and my boyfriend followed me to my new life, I thought my view on life would change, but instead I chose to travel down a very dangerous and destructive road that could have destroyed me and nearly did. I walked away from the wreckage of my life with huge debt, no friends, and not knowing my favorite color, music, etc. because I had lost myself.

All of this is to say I view life with the full understanding that life is not pretty. There are some horrible people out there who will destroy those around them for the sheer pleasure. Every action has a motive behind it. The motive may be a good one, but for many people, it's a shady questionable motive that dictates their actions.

So as you can see, I have a pretty warped view, yet I cannot understand those individuals who wander around being negative all the time. How can they not.see how draining it is? Several people that I speak to on a regular basis always have a crappy day or comment on how stupid he/she is. How about enjoying the good weather or being excited about lunch plans or the fact that someone smiled at you!

I truly try to see the positives in situations, so should I become that cesspool of negativity, let me know.
And to show how positive I am, I'll list the things I'm grateful for this week:

James taking care of me during my mini-meltdown mode this weekend.
Michelle sharing her fried food experience at the state fair and taking a chance on one of my favorite shows (seriously, I can watch it with you).
Becky listening to me and for Damon and pizza night.
Delia and Dawne being the best collaborators and partners in crime.
John giving his support and endorsement of my professional decision.
My brother calling and us having our first real connection in years.
My new coffee creamer flavor - York Peppermint Patty. Yum!
My bad financial decision that taught me to be more careful with money.
The beautiful snow.
Looking forward to next week's plans - speaking, writer's group dinner, game night.
Noreta, a woman who never knew the impact she had on me, and will forever be missed. I'm grateful for her understanding and faith.