Pollyanna Lives On!
The Generosity of Spirit we share with each other gives us superpowers to be bigger than we ever thought we could be
and better than we ever thought possible.
-The Miracle Collectors
Amidst all of the doom and gloom of the news, it’s hard to try to keep a positive outlook on life. We all feel it and it takes its toll on our wellbeing both physical and spiritual. This month, Joan recounts recent research that takes aim at the cynicism we think surrounds us and offers hope to each of us.
Collecting Miracle Moments One Story at a Time.
Pollyanna* Lives On...Thank God!
Needless to say, as a life-long Pollyanna where I'm always looking for the silver lining, I was delighted to read a recent Boston Globe article about new studies indicating that while we Americans are among the most cynical in the world (hardly surprising, given what we are fed through social media and the news), in real life, we actually are much better than we think. It seems our better angels show up for each other, and researchers consistently find, "that people do the right thing most of the time." Estimates suggest just 1% of the people in the US have a clinical level of psychopathic traits, but they account for over half of all serious crime and have an oversize effect on our thinking. The other 99% of us are doing the best we can with what we have and with what we can do, trying to make our communities, our families, and our workplaces better.
It reminds me of Mildred Lisette Norman, who called herself Peace Pilgrim and began her journey crossing American highways and byways in 1953 and kept at it until the early 80's. She walked hoping that others would be inspired to strive for peace, in their lives as well as in the world writ large. She had no money, no safety net, and no Plan B. Instead of thinking that she was relying on the generosity of strangers, she believed she was relying on the goodness already inside each of us.
We talk often about miracles being signs of wonder. Whether it was recognizing the 25,000 miles Peace Pilgrim traveled or the results of the recent research studies, it was just the sense of wonder I needed. It reassures me that my positive outlook on life is neither shortsighted nor naïve but rather is one that allows me to be more open and less judgmental trying to look for the good in each of us. And while there is always that 1%, the truth is I’m not shocked at this research because I do believe our fellow men and women understand that taken together our sum is far greater than our individual parts.
This is is what gives me hope. The evil that is around us will have a harder time taking root if we keep open lines of communication with each other, if we take the opportunity when offered to be kind, to be generous, even to turn the other cheek. Most of us have some demon we are fighting, whether it is a difficult relationship, a troubling diagnosis, or feelings of isolation or being minimized by society, but as Chesterton reminds us, we're all in this boat together upon a stormy sea. We must find our humanity and we must act on it. In the end that would be the miracle we're all waiting for, hoping for, and indeed living for. (Joan)
*According to the Merriam Webster Dictionary, Pollyanna is a person characterized by irrepressible optimism and a tendency to find good in everything.
Miracle Moment Challenge: The Sky’s the Limit
Consider what the greater good or the purpose of life means to you. What steps could you take to share your own gifts and talents with a cause or purpose that is bigger than you are?