Late last night when my pregnant self should have been tucked in bed and sound asleep, I was on the phone with Sprint. Our cell service is through Sprint and although I would not recommend them to anyone, we are under contract–so with them we shall remain. We had a few unexpected charges on our bill along with a few activation fees I wanted to get waived, so I started my journey into convincing them to pity our souls. My husband always makes me do these kind of calls because I have a high record of success, but last night proved not to be so. With each “no” I tried to stay positive and use a different approach. An hour later I was absolutely no where, extremely tired and wishing I could punch the wall…or something. I lost all desire to stay positive as it finally became obvious that I had not won this battle with Mr. I-will-not-budge-even-if-your-house-is-on-fire-and-you-have-nothing-to-eat. Okay, okay…I get it…a cell phone bill is nothing to get worked up over. But I did. And then as I hopped into bed 2 hours later than initially planned, my immature 5-year old attitude said, “how poopy!”
And then the following story that I heard long ago popped into my head with no permission at all and reminded me not to take life too seriously (If you know where it originates from, I’d love a link)!
Once there was a set of twin girls. They were young and youthful (wait…I think those words mean the same thing)? Anyway, they were young, let’s say 7 years old. It was Christmas morning and they came running down the stairs just excited and giddy as can be. They ran to the Christmas tree and found one single Christmas present, wrapped in brown paper packaging with their name on it. They ripped off the packaging just as quickly as their fingers would allow, and opened their plain brown box. Inside was a pile of POOP. The first twin threw the box to the floor and began to throw a tearful fit. “I KNEW I wouldn’t get anything good for Christmas,” she screamed. The crying and the sobbing continued; however, the 2nd twin’s response was quite different. Her eyes beamed with delight and she began to jump up and down with excitement. “Yes! POOP! That’ means there HAS TO BE a Pony here somewhere!”
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Kind of a silly story, but I’m in a silly mood. So next time life is feeling “poopy,” I hope this story pops into your head (with no permission at all) and motivates you to stay positive anxiously be on the look-out for your pony!
Remember to laugh, and don’t let yourself get too “worked up” about things:
I’m pretty sure the 2nd twin was more like this girl:
(yes, we’ve all seen this one already, but it just doesn’t get old!)
How to Stay Positive:
- First, ask yourself some questions. I found the following checklist from an article titled, “Laughter is the Best Medicine“
- 2nd, Find a reason to laugh. Laughter is so incredibly good for your health: physically, mentally and socially. Read the comics, call a friend, replay a funny story in your mind, or goof off with your children. I find that if I attempt to make my toddler break out into a fit of giggles, it is an instant cure for anything! If all of those fail, try a youtube video. There’s bound to be one that will put you in a fit of laughter. I saw this one on Facebook the other day and it had me giggling like a little girl. Whatever you need to do, find a way to laugh.
- 3rd, count your blessings. The literal act of thinking about and writing down your blessings has a significant effect upon mood because we are focusing our mind upon the good things in our life.
- 4th. Don’t take yourself too seriously. Force yourself to grin as big as you can, and even though it is forced you will find that it feels good. Think back to embarrassing moments or other times that you took yourself too seriously and just laugh at yourself.
- My absolutely favorite advice that I read in the article “Laughter is the Best Medicine,” was: “Pay attention to children and emulate them. They are the experts on playing, taking life lightly, and laughing.” So true!
I saw this Quote the other Day and Loved it! “Believe There is Good in the World!” Perfect!
What Do You Do to Stay Positive on “Poopy” Days?
photo credits:
Girl Pony Tail via Clker
Cartoon Horse via Clker
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Julie says
I came here from New Nostalgia:) The girl burning off her hair video is definitely one that will give you a good laugh! Thanks!
Beth says
Hey Tina,
Ugh, I TOTALLY get you on working yourself up over a cell phone. I have completely lost it with cell phone companies in the past. Also internet companies. Why are those two so unreasonable? Anyway, I admire your ability to realize it’s not the end of the world.
…also. randomly. are you on twitter? Because lo and behold, I just got on and want to follow you but can’t find you. (I am about as skilled with twitter as my toddler is with operating a stick shift, sooo…it’s probably easy to find you. I am just a fool.)
Tina M says
Beth,
No…I am not on Twitter…so take it back! You are no fool. I guess I’m a little behind on the times, I looked into Twitter at one point and didn’t really get the point of it. I’m on Pinterest and Facebook though, I’m guessing you already figured that out. Are you on all of the above?
Beth says
I am indeed.
I also did not see the point of twitter, but I have an eerie feeling that I might soon love it. It reminds me of old-school instant messaging. But like, on speed.
Diane | An Extraordinary Day says
Verizon has challenged me as well!!! And their games can take months before everything is finally resolved!!
How do I stay positive? Recently I’ve learned to start counting ‘gifts’ in my day….anything from an unexpected call from a friend to crumbs on the table (means we have food to eat) to warm towels from the laundry. It’s amazing how it really does change my attitude.
Blessings!
Tina M says
So true Diane! Thank you so much.
laurendaisycottagen says
Great ideas… sometimes we all need this reminder. That story is hysterical – I’ve never heard it before. I’d be thrilled if you’d link up at this week’s Off the Hook!
Rosey says
I hope the girl w/the pony idea was on the right track. 🙂 This is great, and I agree that positive living has way too many perks…so why live any other way? Thanks for sharing.
I’m visiting today from Linkin’ with my Ladies.
Jessica says
I love this – I need to be reminded of this very often. I appreciate the funny story! I’m going to copy down those reminders and put them in my mirror so I can be reminded everyday! Found you via the bloghop, new follower! Come visit! Jessica http://www.barefootbysea.blogspot.com
Tina M says
Thanks Jessica, I’ll totally come visit!
momstheword2008 says
So fun! And laughing exercises our liver, isn’t that funny? It’s good for the liver, lol! I had to contact the phone company after my dad died to cancel the phone. I told the gal my dad was deceased and she wouldn’t let me cancel it. She said “I’m sorry but you can’t cancel it because it’s in his name.” I asked if my mom could cancel it because it was her phone too and the gal said no, my dad had to cancel.
I said “I just told you he’s dead” and the gal said that she knew but that she needed his permission because his name was on the account and she didn’t know what to do. I asked if I could send a death certificate and this went on for nearly and hour and I have to talk to about 5-6 different people. It was ridiculous not to mention frustrating.
So I sent the certificate and they canceled it. Six months later they sent my mom a bill for the accumulation of the last six months of charges. I called again and fortunately I had kept paperwork from that phone call so it got resolved quicker, lol! Thanks so much for linking up to “Making Your Home Sing Monday” today! 🙂
momstheword2008 says
So fun! And laughing exercises our liver, isn’t that funny? It’s good for the liver, lol! I had to contact the phone company after my dad died to cancel the phone. I told the gal my dad was deceased and she wouldn’t let me cancel it. She said “I’m sorry but you can’t cancel it because it’s in his name.” I asked if my mom could cancel it because it was her phone too and the gal said no, my dad had to cancel.
I said “I just told you he’s dead” and the gal said that she knew but that she needed his permission because his name was on the account and she didn’t know what to do. I asked if I could send a death certificate and this went on for nearly and hour and I have to talk to about 5-6 different people. It was ridiculous not to mention frustrating.
So I sent the certificate and they canceled it. Six months later they sent my mom a bill for the accumulation of the last six months of charges. I called again and fortunately I had kept paperwork from that phone call so it got resolved quicker, lol! Thanks so much for linking up to “Making Your Home Sing Monday” today! 🙂
Tina M says
Oh my goodness! I can’t believe that! Especially that you talked to 5-6 different people about it. Haha, that is so absurd!
JESS44903 says
Another cute post! Thanks again for joining the Link Up this week!
Marilyn says
Thanks for the motivational post!
Allyson says
I am going to pin this for future pick me ups! Thanks for sharing!
Tina M says
Thanks for the pin Allyson!