“I Find it Easy Not to be a Pessimist”

A Morning Hike, South Fork

My granddaughter Evelyn stopped on the trail. She turned around swinging her Mardi Gras beads and blurted out in rapid fire, “I find it easy not to be a pessimist.” I was excited to tell other family members what she said. They said I was crazy; “That’s not what she said!”

Even if I got the words wrong, the feelings were right. This was a learning moment for me. What can a child teach me?

Gratitude

• A World of Wonder: A balance of sun and shade, beautiful views, little streams and wooden bridges. Plus flying insects, deer droppings and dust that catches the sunlight when you stomp your feet, lots of room to roam and explore.
• Health and Vigor: Breathing in the clear air, the joy of running and playing, the quick recovery from a minor scrape.
• Lucky Clothes, free of the opinions and contamination of society: Mardi Gras beads for a hike! Ingenious.
• Family, Safety and Belonging: Parents, siblings, cousins, aunts and uncles and grandparents.
• Love: No gossip or hatred. Minor complaints vaporize like the morning mist.

The Optimist

Evelyn had every reason not to be a pessimist. I started calling her “the Optimist”. She liked the sound of the name so much that she asked her mom what it meant. When she got her answer she smiled in approval.