American Optimists in 2012

I'm not sure exactly why it is, but if you ask people about their hopes and their feelings regarding 2012 they are ridiculously and abnormally optimistic. Not that this is a bad thing, in fact, for an optimist and happy-go-lucky, irritatingly positive person like me it's really wonderful to hear! BUT - I have to wonder, why do you think we are all feeilng this postive energy about 2012?

Is it because supposedly the world is going to end on December 21st and we all want to make the best of our last 12 months alive? Seriously Doubtful. Sorry, for those of you that buy into this type of bullshit, you may need to stop reading now. I'm a Christian and for those of you that read and believe the bible, when Jesus comes he will come like a thief in the night. It's not going to be a broadcasted and there won't be any forewarning or exact dates and times. For those of you that have really never read the Bible, dust off the old book and start reading. I can guarantee you if you read it diligently for 1 year, it will change your life. And hey, what better time to start than January 1st, 2012?

Maybe it's because we can't possibly allow ourselves to believe that 2012 will be as heartbreaking and difficult as 2011? Ask others around you. Talk with people and I guarantee they will have something life-changing to share about 2011 that wasn't necessarily a good thing. This year I cried more on my way to work listening to the radio regarding events in our city, our state, our country and around the world more than any other year. I also had a lot of personal emotional events this year with the loss of so many people in our family, including both of our Grandmothers (this was in another blog, I won't carry on). Remember the tornados in Joplin? Or the tornados in Alabama that claimed so many lives and people's homes? How quickly the media moves on from these situations after something else newsworthy comes up. They just recently re-opened schools for students and hundreds of people are still without homes. If you're sitting on  your butt with no plans for 2012, may consider volunterring or donating some time or money to a local charity. I know that's one of my personal goals for 2012.

Maybe it's because we already know there are good things to come in 2012; like a new job, a pay raise, a new home or celebrating the gift of a new life in your family? I don't know what type of person you are, but when good things happen to you, don't be afraid to share them with others or hold back on your success. Recently, one of our good friends was offered an enormous promotion at his job. His boss came to him and announced that he wanted him to head up the new office they were building and they would pay for him to live and move to that location to any place of his choice. SO COOL RIGHT??? Well, when our friend shared this news with us, he was so modest and quiet, he didn't even realize what an enormously great opportunity he was given. He was afraid to share his success because so many of his other friends are unemployed or can't find a job. One thing about me and Luke is that we are always so praising of others success - I can't stand it when people get jealous of others that are successful - And so, if something amazing is on the horizon for you in 2012. Good for you! Celebrate and embrace the blessing(s) you've been given!

Personally, I think 2012 is going to be great. Our family is moving to a new home in Hudson, Wisconsin. I have great feelings about things upcoming at my job, Luke is officially becoming an owner of MB&Boys, Inc., the family business and Jacob, our youngest, turns 1 year old on Easter Sunday, which I think is just the coolest thing!

All the best to you all who are reading this. I look forward to reading about events happening in your lives and I certainly hope you will like hearing about things happening in mine - good, bad or ugly- I'm sure we'll share them all.

Sending peace, love, happiness and healthy thoughts your way....