Positivity

What is possible? In any given situation? What is the negative take on the same situation? Can that be turned around into something positive? What is gained or lost by taking this action?

An example: We have a jade plant in our home. Rocky had it about 20 years before that. Forty two years the plant had been a companion of Rocky’s. A long time. In recent months (full year or more?) the plant became root bound and began shedding leaves, small branches, then whole limbs. We knew it needed to be replanted but neither of us were up to the task, or mess in an apartment.

A neighbor suggested donating the plant to a local nursery that provides employment and botanical career training for handicapped persons. We chose to do that. We also provided one of Rocky’s art bowls as a planter for a planting from the original jade plant. The nursery would replant the parent plant, subdivide it as it thought proper, sell those products to the public while returning the planter bowl with a fresh cutting rooted in it for Rocky.

This action accomplished several things. It saved the original jade plant, giving it more decades to spread its beauty to more people. It gave jobs and educational value to the nursery workers. It continued a bountiful life back to Rocky.

Meanwhile, a void resides in our living room while the plant undergoes its rebirth. The void is both seen and felt. That plant has been with us a long time. Separation anxiety has been felt. Anticipation looms large. This will take a few months to be certain the new plantings have taken root.

Upon review, these actions are positive. Rather than throw out a dying plant, it was revived, renewed, spread to others, and provided a learning experience for chronically unemployed people. Everyone wins. The outcome is positive throughout.

Now, with that model of positivity, what other issues can be improved or solved in a similar fashion? Here is my list:

1.       Defeat COVID pandemic

2.       Help unemployed, especially 55-year-olds and over displaced by the pandemic. Help them identify new careers that they can enter and continue to enjoy even past retirement. Coaching and mentoring others in this same situation is one such outlet.

3.       Assist young entrepreneurs to create new businesses, industries and employment for the community; teach them what you know to fill in what they don’t. Guide them, then get out of the way.

4.       Battle inflation – long-term or transitionary – by substituting different consumption patterns for overpriced goods. This will lower inflationary pressure on those products. It may even find a better, more healthy consumption pattern for your household!

5.       Fight obesity in self, family and others. Examine dietary needs versus wants and construct a balanced approach going forward. You may surprise yourself with a new and exciting taste palette plus losing unneeded pounds that eases pressure on joints and shrinking muscle mass.

6.       Become a role model to others, especially younger folk. I know I have life behaviors that are negative role models, so I need to avoid broadcasting those to newer generations! There are plenty of positive role models to pursue. Figure it out in your life and do it!

I wonder what outcomes would spring from all of the above. Won’t it be fun to find out?

January 26, 2022

 

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