Positive Focus

Someone said that aging is a privilege. It is certainly better than the alternative, and while there might be challenges in aging, it is definitely an opportunity to focus on the positive aspects of our lives by deflecting negativism which causes stress and fear, two things that speed up the aging process.

A lady I have known for decades is renowned for her easy smile which has won her many friends over the years. Even when facing physical challenges, she manages to bring the positive aspects of her life to the forefront. I believe it helps her surmount easily whatever problems come her way. I visited her while she spent a few days in hospital recently for a surgical procedure. She was up and about talking and encouraging other patients, and when asked if she was in pain, she smiled. A little, she said winking, but nothing as bad as giving birth! A nice way of putting things into perspective. In effect she was saying: sure it hurts, but I’ve had pain before, so why focus on it.

Not everyone succeeds in being that positive. Many people seem to find some sort of warped pleasure in focusing on their ills and problems and discussing them at length with anyone within hearing range. It’s not always easy to cut the conversation short and slip away. One man may have found the perfect answer. When I start hearing people discuss their operations and such, he says, I simply stand up and start to undo my belt and say: you think you got it bad, let me show you what’s left of my … At that point people start to object and the focus on illness is forgotten. The first time he did this, his wife was appalled, first because he never had surgery, second because she thought it might get him arrested! Now she is grateful for the positive effect his antics generate.