Camille Strate

Raindrops On Roses And Mittens On....HUH?



Posted: Thursday, October 16, 2008

by
JoyZAChoice

Someone called me "PollyAnna". I'm sitting out in the sun, watching two hummingbirds flit about in a huge oak tree, groovin' on the scene, when this guy walks up and says, "You have the most ridiculous smile on your face. What are you thinking about?". So I say, "I'm watching those marvelous hummingbirds do their hummingbird thing. Just makes me happy." He called me "PollyAnna", sort of under his breath, and walked away. I laughed out loud. And as he walked away, I could almost see the big, dark cloud over his head. Poor guy.

Made me wonder why people get so irritated when someone is blatantly happy. I mean, you'd think that seeing happy people might inspire more happiness, right? Kind of the ol' mirror effect. Like when someone yawns in your presence, suddenly you have to yawn too. Wierd but true. Apparently, however, being happy for 'no reason' does not inspire the same mirroring effect; or at least, not always. It seems to piss people off (oops. am I allowed to use that word?) and even compel some to make a snide remark, like this guy did. So, he walks away and I'm sitting there, smiling this big, goofy smile, and watching those hummingbirds and all I could think was, "You poor, miserable man. I wish you bliss." The moment this thought breezed into my brain, I laughed again. It seems that I've trained myself to 'automatically' say a little prayer and let it go. Definitely PollyAnna.

Even though this man meant the name-calling to be an insult, I didn't take it that way. I knew how he meant it, but I chose to laugh instead. I also chose to stay in my light, lovely place, say a prayer for him and carry on without being disturbed. I chose my thoughts, thereby choosing my mood. I refused to allow him to rain on my parade. One step beyond...I actually wished for him to feel what I was feeling. Now, the reason I tell this story is because all this would not have been true a short while ago. Back then, I'd have gotten into some sort of altercation and let him ruin the moment. I'd have told him to go take a hike (well, it would've been a bit more foul-mouthed, but you get the idea). He would have ruined that happy moment for me because I'd have allowed it. Not so anymore.

Now, because I truly understand the power of my thoughts, I have a much easier time being PollyAnna. They say that ignorance is bliss. While this may be true, I find that knowledge used is bliss. Knowing what I can do with a mere thought is about as empowering a thing as I've ever experienced. And the more I 'practice', the better I get at it. It's a beautiful thing! I don't guess that everyone is ready for such a stance, nor do I feel the need to get them there. Mostly, I just love the feeling of having choices. And using them. And choosing to use them how I want. Fun. Life is supposed to be FUN!

Camille Strate is a blossoming Being who spends much of her time writing. She writes for various eZine sites, as well as her own Blog (JoyZAChoice). You can also find more of her 'stuff' at her secondary blog Cam's Meanderings.

Her most current published work is a little book entitled "Whispers-The Often Subtle Sometimes Rowdy Voice of Truth". Her next book is in the making...you can't rush Genius! Visit her blog for more information and a joyful respite from your day. 
JoyZAChoice.
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Top-level comments on this article: (3 total)
» left by Dianne Lehmann
3 years 87 days ago.
131 fans.
Hi Camille.
 
I think the irritation some people express at another's happiness is quite possibly jealousy...they'd like to be that happy themselves. But failing that, they try to bring you down to their level. The "if I can't be happy, no one should be happy" syndrome. It is very sad and I too generally wish these people well. I don't always remember to do that, though.
 
The power to choose which thoughts we hold is our greatest gift...you make that clear.
 
Thank you,
Dianne
» left by Camille Strate 3 years 87 days ago.
61 fans. Follow Camille Strate on twitter!
Dear Dianne~
You are most welcome! And thank YOU for the comment. It is GREATLY appreciated! I had NO idea this piece would be so well read. It thrills me when this happens, mostly because I do believe that each of us has the ability to help, to serve, to inspire. These are my aims when I write, even when I don't know what I'm writing! (this happens often...I get an idea, sit down to write, and before I know it, the piece is done. It's as if I'm merely 'channeling' from a Higher Source. Know what I mean?)
Wishing you bliss!
Camille
» left by sue thom
from nj
3 years 86 days ago.
hi camille,
this was a neat article. well written, interesting, and with a point.
i love hummingbirds, they amaze me. thanks for sharing your thoughts,
best regards,
sue thom
» left by Camille Strate 3 years 86 days ago.
61 fans. Follow Camille Strate on twitter!
Hey Sue~
You're welcome! Yep, those "little guys" (that's what I call them) are a trip! I have feeders all over the yard and just love watching them do their thing. I'm especially thrilled when they zoom up right in front of me and hover...as if to say "hey! thanks for the grub!" Hope you're well and groovin'!
Camille
» left by Avis Ward
3 years 86 days ago.
131 fans.
"I don't guess that everyone is ready for such a stance, nor do I feel the need to get them there. Mostly, I just love the feeling of having choices. And using them."

Wow to all of it! Camille, honestly, you were inside my head. I take no credit for your writing and gift of expression but our thoughts are in harmony. Thank you for this sharing this. It's divine to recognize the power we were entrusted to use for our benefit and the benefit of others. Your light is beneficial to anyone choosing to bask in it! Life is Grand!
» left by Camille Strate 3 years 85 days ago.
61 fans. Follow Camille Strate on twitter!
Thank you, Sweet Avis. What a lovely thought for YOU to share~
Hugs & Blessings!
Camille
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