I have always tended to focus on the bad things in life. I never realized this until I started my little exercise. As stated before I thought I was an optimist. “Little Samantha Sunshine” who always said things such as “we have to go through the bad times to enjoy the good.” Yet, I would then focus on every little thing that was wrong.

Today I am going to focus on the good. In 11 days I marry the man I love. At 40 years old I had consigned myself to spinsterhood. Then I met John. We get each other. We enjoy each other’s company. We get a kick out of each other. When I think of something funny I can’t wait to share it with him, it makes my day to get him to laugh. So, on May 23rd I walk down the aisle on my dad’s arm and start a new life. That makes me happy.

To explain the next positive thing I have to discuss some negative things. This is only for clarification. I am bipolar with a heavy dose of anxiety disorder. Through modern medicine most of my symptoms are under control. I do have a hard time in public. Yet, with John I am beating even that. Last night we went to the casino close to our home. I haven’t been able to do that in years. We didn’t win any money, but I had a great time and it was a huge milestone. I am sure that dealing with my illness will figure largely in this blog.

My third positive thing of the morning is my pets. They filled a void before John, they enrich our lives now. They consist of Tommy and Astra the cats, Millie the Shih Tzu, and the birds Kitu and Jina. The mammals were a part of my life pre-John; the birds were an addition because of him. Kitu (literally “something” in Swahili, my own inside joke) was a birthday gift for him. Jina (“word” in Swahili) came a little later to keep Kitu company. Right now there are three babies. Soon, one will go to my parents to keep their Mr. Peeps company the others will be traded at the pet store. Our office sounds like the Tiki Room at Disneyland right now. The sound makes me so happy!
Have a positive day!!