CDog vs. The World

New Year, New Decade, New ‘Tude January 29, 2010

So, I admit it. I’m basically pulling the same stunt I did in December and tossing out a single post just so I can say I didn’t go a whole month without blogging. I know. Fail.

Let me just say that I’ve at least thought about blogging. Several times. I’ve even gone so far as to turn toward my computer as if I were going to type up a post. And then I didn’t. There’s no defense. I think, by now, we’ve all accepted that I’m a sporadic blogger. But I am posting twice today, if that helps. Perhaps being more faithful should be added to my laundry list of resolutions this year.

Speaking of, 2010 has been pretty bitchin’ (yes, bitchin’ – the result of a resolution made two years ago to bring the term back). I’m going to say that this may or may not have something to do with my resolve to focus on self-improvement this decade, specifically when it comes to my attitude.

I mentioned in my last post (almost, but not quite, a month ago) that part of what I enjoy about New Year’s Eve is the chance to look at what you didn’t like about the previous year and start fresh in the new one. For me, New Year’s resolutions are an inherent part of this renewal.

In 2009, I resolved to be more charitable and, without going into detail, I can say that I accomplished that by embracing some excellent opportunities to help improve the world. This year, I’m taking some time to try to improve myself.

For the most part, I’m focusing on the attitude. 2009 was not my most favorite year ever, and that’s okay. Every so often, life throws you a big sack of crap and tells you to deal with it. So you do, ’cause what choice do you have, and then you move on. But here’s what I’ve learned: nothing makes an unhappy situation worse than being all Johnny Negativity about it. This seems like a rather obvious life lesson, but it turns out it’s pretty easy to forget.

Now, does this mean I need to be Sally Sunshine all the time (I’m really into putting names with things today)? No. That would be irritating. But I’m putting a little extra effort into seeing the brighter side of things these days. Examples? Of course.

Yeah, I’m not thrilled about my day job. But it’s still my job right now, so I’m going to do it well and keep working toward getting myself to a place where I can do what will make me happy. It’s not going to be a quick or easy process, and I’m probably never going to be exceedingly wealthy, but I know all of that and still think my goals are worth working hard for.

The economy sucks, but I certainly don’t have a plan for fixing it. So I’m going to keep exercising my right to vote and trust that the people I help put in power will figure out a way to make things better.

Getting caught between two guys who decided to have a brawl at the bus stop over who got to get on first does suck, but at least I got punched in the shoulder and not in the face, and now I have a good story.

See? I feel better already. Conclusion: my positivity and happiness is something that I have a lot of control over.  Plus, let’s be honest: finding something to be happy about is a lot less exhausting and irritating than maintaining a constant stream of complaints and negativity. So, in 2010, I’m working at letting the lousy stuff go and spending more time looking forward to the awesome. January has been a roaring success. Here’s to 11 more uplifting months.

P.S. – I know this sounds a lot like applying my concept of Aggressive Optimism to every moment of life, but I think this general positivity is a little less extreme. Aggressive Optimism is more for situations like,”Well, I just got hit by a car, but at least I only broke my arm.”

P.P.S. – I’m pretty sure the universe offers big time rewards for positive thinking. In the one month I’ve tried having a better outlook, I’ve had all sorts of fun adventures and gotten tickets to see Taylor Swift in April and Idina Menzel in July. Seriously. Idina Frickin’ Menzel. If you know me, you know that I’ve managed to miss seeing her perform twice and that I’ve said, without exaggeration, that it was my life’s biggest regret. Power of positive thinking, my friends.