Good evening, all.<p>For someone who calls himself "be_positive", I don't think I've done such a good job of spreading good vibes since I started posting on this forum. I came here for help, as recent events have made my life a little more difficult. As a result, many of my posts have had somewhat of a despairing tone, and I have really reached out for support. So far, this forum has been a true blessing and provided me with strength that I really need. I'd like to give something back to the forum if I can.<p>I still have a lot to learn, and a long way to go in order to master the MB principles. However, one point that seems pretty clear to me is the idea of focusing on yourself. Isn't that one of the key concepts of Plan A? Believe it or not, I have focused on me, and kept a very positive outlook for most of the past 6 months since D-day and my W leaving. At times it takes work to keep myself happy, so I like to take inventory of the good things in my life. I thought I'd share a few of those things with you, just in case anyone might find some value in them. I encourage others to take inventory of the good things in your own lives. I am pretty much rambling here, so please feel free to ignore this post if it means nothing to you.<p> [img]images/icons/smile.gif" border="0[/img] [img]images/icons/smile.gif" border="0[/img] [img]images/icons/smile.gif" border="0[/img]
THINGS THAT MAKE BP FEEL GOOD:
[img]images/icons/tongue.gif" border="0[/img] [img]images/icons/tongue.gif" border="0[/img] [img]images/icons/tongue.gif" border="0[/img] <p>I have so many things in life to be thankful for. My parents are 2 of the greatest people I've ever met, and I see them at least once a week. My brother, his wife, and his 2 little boys are a joy to be with. I have wonderful friends, who share good times with me and offer me their unconditonal support when times are tough. Every day, I come home to my cat, who says "purr, purr, purr", and makes me smile.<p>Laughter may not always be the best medicine, but most of the time, it's a damn good one! One week after D-day, I went camping with a group of friends. We started playing drinking games, and laughed ourselves silly until 4am. Despite all the turmoil I was in, I had a GREAT weekend. Since then, I've made sure to keep my sense of humor and laugh at every opportunity. It really helps.<p>Happiness comes from within. There are a lot of things I can do all by myself that bring a smile to my face. I just played my trumpet for about 2 hours, and it felt awesome! Other things I can do that make me happy are exercise, sing, work on home improvements, cook a nice meal, or go for a walk and enjoy the beauty of nature.<p>There are so many great activities to choose from! Last fall I joined a symphony orchestra and an ice hockey league. I've found some great new challenges, had lots of fun, and met some great people. I'm hoping to join a softball league in the spring, and maybe volunteer to work with children.<p>Did I mention how great my friends are? I regularly see people I met in college, hight school, my job, my previous job, musical groups I've been in, and even my oldest friend from kindergarten! Lately I've gotten in the habit of having people over to watch movies and sports on a regular basis. We always have a great time. I had a New Year's party and a Super Bowl party. Both were a blast!<p>Lastly, I'd like to end my list of happy thoughts with a quote I heard recently, and my explanation of how it pertains to me:<p>"I reserve the right to be smarter today than I was yesterday."<p>I've made many mistakes in my life, including quite a few in my marriage. One thing I am proud of is my never-ending desire to identify my mistakes, learn from them, and use that knowledge to make myself a better person. I strongly believe that this is a lifelong process. If I have a relationship that lasts 60 years, I intend to still be improving my relationship skills in year 60 (not to mention years 1-59). I believe that this attitude helps my chances of having a successful lifelong relationship, and that makes me happy.<p>
Thanks for reading. I hope this helps at least one person's positive outlook, and I hope you don't all think I'm a dork. [img]images/icons/wink.gif" border="0[/img] If nothing else, it felt good to type all these happy thoughts.<p>Have a good night, and BE POSITIVE!
BP

What a great post! Good for you!
Can we add what we feel good about???? I hope that you don't mind......but maybe everyone can feel good if they post!<p>I got an 88 on my first college test......I haven't taken a test in over 2o yrs!!! Now I know that I can do this!!!!<p>I have 2 great boys that have been such a support to me since this whole mess happened!! They are truly my greatest gift and I am so proud to be their Mom!!!<p>My parents and family have been great! They support me in everything!!!!<p>My friends at work have been wonderful...they gave me flowers for V-day...and they pretended that they didn't know who sent them!!!! It made my day....<p>I have wonderful neighbors who are there for me whenever I need them....my edger broke in Sept.....anytime he mows...he edges my yard.<p>We all do have a lot of things to be thankful for!! Thanks for making me thinkg of them tomight!!!
[img]images/icons/wink.gif" border="0[/img]<p>[ February 18, 2002: Message edited by: Feeling So Alone ]</p>

BP, what a beautiful thread! Your post really lightened my heart tonight, something I've desperately needed lately. Thank you so much for putting it out here. <p>I'll follow FSA's footsteps and add what I can (BTW, congrats on the 88!Yes, you CAN do this!)<p>I'm grateful for my incredible children who never fail to bring out the best in me, just when I think there is nothing good left. <p>I have some of the most amazing friends. I can't help but feel like a better person just by being around them. I look at some of them and know that I must be OK if such great,giving people are in my midst. <p>My kitty loves me too, and purrs like a Ferrari whenever I come through the door. <p>There. I feel better now. We should do this more often!<p>Snow

You are not a dork, bp, at least not that I can tell... [img]images/icons/smile.gif" border="0[/img] <p>great thread... there is indeed lots to be thankful for, and plenty of things to work on inside besides trying to fix our spouse!! [img]images/icons/wink.gif" border="0[/img] <p>I'm proud of myself for my class, integrity, strength and faith. I have become MUCH stronger in the last 9 months because of everything that has happened. <p>I'm thankful that we have a God that will never fail us. <p>This forum, the MB principles, and the members here are indeed a blessing. What an important stepping stone in our life journeys!<p>Thanks again bp!!! I almost overlooked this thread, and I'm glad I didn't!!!

I have to agree with the others that is truly an awesome thread and a very inspiring one at that! <p>My WH will soon be moving to his own apartment and I'm grateful for that. I believe he has many issues (independant of me or our marriage) and I'm hoping he takes the separation to deal with them head on. I love my H and know he is a great guy beneath all the debris of his life - I will always love him, from near or afar!<p>My 2 sons (ages 7 & 9) are very protective of me and have loved me unconditionally. My 7-year-old gave me a v-day card that said Be my valentine... every day! My 9-year-old is concerned I can't pay the bills by myself. My boys are from a previous marriage so we've all been through this before... together!<p>My friends are very supportive of me even when I waffle and keep going back.<p>My family... well, they are rare gems and have seen me through some very rough (and self inflicted) times.<p>I need to break through my extreme shyness and do some things socially like you are doing B_P (maybe not join a symphony - but maybe enjoy listening to one).<p>Thank you for this thread - you sound extremely positive! Thanks for sharing!<p> [img]images/icons/smile.gif" border="0[/img]

[img]images/icons/rolleyes.gif" border="0[/img] <p>Oops - duplicate post! <p> [img]images/icons/smile.gif" border="0[/img]<p>[ February 19, 2002: Message edited by: Free2BMe ]</p>

Thank you for sharing your happy thoughts. I'm so glad that some of you did find some value in this thread. I truly enjoyed reading your uplifting posts, and it made me think of another very positive notion:<p>Smiles, laughs, hugs, compliments, and optimism are all contagious!<p>I will continue to regularly take inventory of the things I'm thankful for, and perhaps I'll post some more of them in the future. I encourage others to do the same. I, for one, will enjoy reading them.<p>Have a great day, and don't forget to smile!
BP