I’ve been extraordinarily happy lately. I’m rarely miserable; much as I try I can’t maintain unhappy grumpiness for long. I go to work each day in an office that’s not always the most cheerful place – there’s the strangest gathering of people imaginable and some of them have already featured in my fiction writing. There are several strong personalities there whose dominant, negative or just plain whinging behaviour upsets others but I just sit back and smile. Some sit and quake in their shoes, not me; I mentally note reactions, speech patterns and funny little mannerisms. The Crazy Polish Woman who I’m closest too (and who will read this) knows exactly who I’m talking about. She is provocative, like me her job poses no challenge for her. So while I soak up everyone’s persona she creates nonsensical but non malevolent agitations, spuddling for the fun of it.
Yesterday I phoned the same call centre in Bangalore nine times, each time entering a combination of number options at their prompts and each time being asked to confirm my name and contact number. At times I get the same person twice in an hour and have to say ‘Yes Puja/Rahul/Sumeera that is my number, no it hasn’t changed.’ It would drive most people crazy but me – nope, it’s hilarious! So how do I maintain this irritating cheerfulness? My unexciting job allows me to drift away in my head, concocting stories, while still being efficient because it doesn’t tax me in any way. I have flexitime, a warm office, a nice view from my window and no-one bothers me.
I have a very simple philosophy; every moment wasted in unhappiness is lost. Someone may say or do something nasty to me (see my last post, Half An Inch Lower), and it may hurt. But their action or word happens in that instant and then it’s gone, forgotten by them. Do you think that boy who created a scar on my face when he threw a stone at me remembers? Of course not. If we hold on to hurts WE are perpetuating that hurt not the person whose action it was. Feel sorry for them, they are the ones with the problem, smile, let it go and move on.
I may not have a job in the spring when my contract runs out but I’m not even going to worry about that, I’ll never be wealthy anyway, and I have plenty of fat stores so I doubt I’ll starve. I’m very excited about April when my next grandchild arrives. In two weeks time my son returns from a very long sea deployment (broken in August when said grandchild was created!) marking the end of a difficult time. The following week my sister Chibuzor is coming from Nigeria, I’ll see her for a few days and get to soak up some Igbo. I’m really missing my girlie Nina, but Christmas is coming and she’ll be back then – hooray!
I’m off now to call Amir, Champna or Iqbal, with a big fat smile on my green face.
Lucid Gypsy 
Good that you’re happy :))
What a great post! Fills me with energy, Gil!
Lovely outlook …..happy happy! 🙂
Thanks honey, miss you! and thanks for loyally reading me it makes such a difference xx 🙂
what a lovely big fat smile, and great attitude we can all aspire to 🙂
I love your positive attitude and how you try to find the humour in bad situations. I try to live like that as well.
Keep that glass half full pftlb, it will keep you sane! thanks for reading and commenting 🙂
how true – others’ negative comments or actions do not need to determine my reaction and attitude in response. i really do have a choice each time. how cool is that!
thanks for the great food for thought! and bless you and enjoy all your upcoming reunions and arrivals!!
Thanks Kris you’re a sweetie, thanks for reading and commenting.
I love your attitude. You can’t let others determine your mood. Only you can determine your mood. Thanks for the reminder to live my life and not to let others try to live it for me. And yeah for April and the little bundle of joy!
We can’t change the past, theres no point worrying about the future so lets just be! thanks for reading and your comments 🙂
Thanks for all your visits to my blog and to show my appreciation, https://lucidgypsy.wordpress.com/2011/12/09/524/
I love this! Thank you for making me smile today. What a refreshing take on the humdrum in our lives, our “work-a-day world,” as one philosopher coined it. I think I will follow your suit–insert the irritants in our lives into our fiction. It’s just punishment! I am greatly inspired!
As a parting thought, see this one: http://likeitiz.wordpress.com/2011/09/09/824/
Thanks for visiting me!
A positive joyful attitude will keep stress at a minimum
and your health ata maximum. So much more of a way to
enjoy life … you are a smart cookie. Have a fun time with
family. Isn’t that what the holidays is all about. The season
to hug those nea and dear.
Lovely,
Isadora
Isadora I wish you a peaceful and joyful Christmas too, take care and thankyou 🙂
Isadora thanks for your lovely comments and to show my appreciation,
https://lucidgypsy.wordpress.com/2011/12/09/524/
Peace, joy, and happiness!
Keep it up and it does make our journeys more delightful.