Little actions stick. A negative glance, even in a split moment, after the moment is gone, remains heavy. We tend to let them go. But, they cover us as if we walked through a sand storm. Even the most fulfilling days at the beach, leaves behind a grit. That remains on the floor of our cars for months to come. Like dust in the wind, our words, our facial expressions, our lack of empathy- it coats. It lingers.
Negativity is like minutes, frozen in time- reminding us that things aren't going according to plan. That we want to rule the world around us but are merely pages. We have no real power other than our mindset and outlook. These days, it feels as if optimism and positivity are difficult to come by. But, if we remain negative and pessimistic- we will bring towards us, with furious energy, a weather front, charged with a powerful after effect: More negativity.
This negativity grows exponentially. We see arbiters of chaos around us. Those whose aura precedes them. Those who can not stand the calm before the storm. They have to cause the strikes and booming thunder of discord. It is hard to stay positive when the sand seems to be burying us. But, believe me- it is dangerous not to. I am a positive person. I see the good in people. I smile. I try to bring a moment of joy to peoples lives. I am the annoying one who says hello to you when you are half awake.
But, I have found myself trapped. Unlike dust in the wind- I am a particle sinking, forever diving deeper into the castle upon which I have built my emotional well-being. I feel negative. It feels like a sticky substance coating my hands, my feet, my disposition. Everywhere I go- piling up behind me- is a residue, of stay away from me. I might be stressed. I might be disillusioned by circumstances not of my choosing or doing and things taken away from me, things added to my ever growing list- but negativity is never ok. Frustration, sullenness, discombobulation is inevitable- but harboring a layer of gloom and spreading it about- is never ok.
It has taken me a few weeks to come to terms with the fact that my attitude is on me. My frustration, sadness and disconnect might have been the effect of someone else's doing- but letting it linger and create a sense of doom in me- that is on me. I sat and meditated a long time last night. Reflecting on why. Why I am so bitter. And the reason itself is justified- but my negative outlook is not.
I have to dive in to the positivity pool again.
I have to dip my toes in the ocean of choice and optimism. Sand is plentiful, annoying at times too, but it is a substance used to build castles and mounds of joyful experiences. This sand, that I am now running my toes through, I take as a gift. One I can pass on. I need to take responsibility for my demeanor, my mood, my tone. I have to start new. Smell the salty, brisk mist of change.
For it, like the tides is a daily occurrence. I have to choose to be energetic and bubbly. I have to emanate a level of optimism that is contagious. Because negativity is more so. And as of late- it has infected me deeply. I am cleansing myself of its grasp slowly but surely. It took my focus, my desire to be better. But, I am now finding the resolve to look beyond the quick sand and quagmire. I am on the right path.
So my pledge to myself as of right now, as I sit in my classroom awaiting the end of the day jostle and juxtaposition- I will keep a smile in my heart. Knowing tomorrow, I can build the largest most structurally ornate sand castle. I will try everything, even though I could fail. Positivity is gold. Shiny and coveted. So I will share my stash- because if I can bring joy to someone tomorrow and every day, in every class period- I will no longer be part of the problem, but part of the solution.
Others around me might smash down my sand castle as they jaunt about. They might cause waves of thunderous negativity. But, it is up to me to gather my bucket and shovel and rebuild. For every day, in every class period the sand is smooth. It is our footprints and foundations that create the love of the beach. It is our beach. It is our seaside haven. We just need to counteract the erosion.
The beach is a sacred space. One that needs protecting and cleansing- one that needs closing at times, I must admit. Yet, it is a gift. A shiny, glassy mirror of our outlooks. We can shape the sand, topple it, and collect it in a jar. We can dip our toes in the near by current. We can dive into the waves. This is our journey. Even if the crowds are noisy and the visitors messy- we control our shoreline. I control my sand dunes on which I climb. I control my sink holes, where I can hide in a sand storm. I the regulator of my surroundings.