The Sunny Side of the Street
As my regular readers probably know, I believe in the adage, “Expect the best, plan for the worst.” To that I’ll add the central idea of a song written in 1899, Keep on the Sunny Side, because I always try to find reasons to enjoy the sunny side of any situation. If I decide to do it, I can also decide to enjoy it.
To those who would ask, “Why?”, I would reply, “Why not? The sunny side of the street is brighter, warmer, and just more fun.”
When I was younger my wife and I frequently made plans to dine out with other couples. On more than one Saturday afternoon I’d find myself in a sour mood – dreading the dinner engagement. But it was, and is, more important to me to honor my commitments rather than my mood. So, I always attended the dinner. Lo and behold – in almost every case I thoroughly enjoyed the conversation and companionship and was in a much happier frame of mind by the end of the evening.
For years I’ve practiced the practical art of finding the positives in any situation. Right now, I’m enjoying the process of writing – first the opportunity to reflect on some aspect of my life, then the process of trying to describe it effectively. I pay attention to my word choice and even find pleasure in physically typing out the first draft on my computer keyboard. I even enjoy the editing process, trying to put the right words into the right order. Many years ago, a writer/director friend shared a piece of writing advice with me that is often attributed to Faulkner but might have originated even earlier. “Kill your babies,” he said. In other words, proceed objectively and without sentiment and if a word or some part of the writing is unnecessary, be ruthless in cutting it out – even if it is your favorite part (i.e. your baby).
I think that The Sunny Side of the Street can be applied to any activity. It’s unnecessary to dwell on the negative. You can always focus on what you enjoy. Another set of lyrics is now running through my mind, “You got to Ac-cent-tchu-ate the positive; E-lim-i-nate the negative; And latch on to the affirmative; Don’t mess with Mr. in-between.
I think that songs, with their catchy melodies, say it better than I can. You might do an internet search for either one of the songs above and take a listen. They might brighten your day!
Next week I’ll celebrate my 84th birthday.
I’m looking forward to a great year.
Alan
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