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A Canadian expatriate living and exploring first France now Germany, then BACK to FRANCE (!!!) with her family; former fashion designer, turned unexpected UNLIKELY NOMAD, raising two children, writing, photographing, painting, playing piano (who knew!!) and blogging - and now... full time student at ART SCHOOL!! (I MUST be crazy!!)

Sunday, March 2, 2008

Looking on the bright side of life...


I am reading this book right now, "How We Choose to be Happy" a book that challenges much of the unconscious modus operandi by which we conduct our lives. So far the main premise of the book is that we are in complete control, and that happiness is a conscious choice.

Now don't get me wrong, I am not miserable right now or in dire need of happiness, I think I have my fair share, it is just that as normal, I am interested in the human condition, and if it is going to make life EVEN rosier, hey, why not?

And then there is a 21 day no complaint campaign, you can read all about it here, I am not sure I could do it... but is this a Happiness revolution going on here or what?

Now I do not know about you, but is it just me or are 7 year old boys really grumpy? Is it just the age, is it just the kid...or is it me, or is it just a universal truth?
So with all this self empowering happiness talk going on, I decided to take things into my own hands, and this morning when the whining reached a certain decibel level (forgetting about certain expletives contained therein) I began to whistle a certain tune...
Some things in life are bad, They can really make you mad
Other things just make you swear and curse.
When you're chewing on life's gristle, Don't grumble, give a whistle
And this'll help things turn out for the best...

And...always look on the bright side of life... Always look on the light side of life...

If life seems jolly rotten, There's something you've forgotten,
And that's to laugh and smile and dance and sing.
When you're feeling in the dumps, Don't be silly chumps,
Just purse your lips and whistle - that's the thing.
And...always look on the bright side of life... Always look on the light side of life...

For life is quite absurd, And death's the final word
You must always face the curtain with a bow.
Forget about your sin - give the audience a grin, Enjoy it - it's your last chance anyhow.

So always look on the bright side of death, Just before you draw your terminal breath

Life's a piece of shit, when you look at it, Life's a laugh and death's a joke, it's true.
You'll see it's all a show, keep 'em laughing as you go,
Just remember that the last laugh is on you.
And always look on the bright side of life... Always look on the right side of life...
Always look on the bright side of life... Always look on the bright side of life...

View it here... I just love it, and maybe not such bad advice after all eh?

*Whistling*...Always look on the bright side of life...
So now I have 2 little kids singing over and over again at the top of their lungs..

Life's a piece of SH*T, when you look at it..
ALWAYS LOOK ON THE BRIGHT SIDE OF LIFE!!!

*Well... looking on the bright side it is better than whining no?*


8 comments:

oreneta said...

There is nothing quite so gleefully delicious as a well placed curse. Especially if your a kid.

Beth said...

Oh, God, I remember that song from the movie! So awful, it's hilarious...
And there's nothing quite like letting kids use a BAD WORD to get them smiling and happy!
(Too bad the thrill wears off as you get older.)

Lynda said...

Oh Monte Python... nothing makes me laugh harder.. you either love it or you hate it. "Just one little peppermint....."

Di Mackey said...

Hey thanks ... needed this, blogged it forward.

Michelle said...

21 days of no complaining? Don't you think 21 hours makes more sense?

Gary said...

You got it sister! Go here and keep whistling...

Let's see - about 2 billion people live on less than $2 a day. Bill Gates is worth more than the GDP of about 40 countries. The planet is over-heating itself to illness and humans keep consuming. Women are still getting a raw deal (and worse) in every corner of the planet. George Bush is still President. I have a sore back.

Everything that is born will die, including moi.

Yeah, I'd say all is good and there's nothing to complain about.

I think an expectation of full happiness is just one more pressure.

How about letting it all be what it is and seeking the beauty, love and humour in it as we go? And never suppress a generous impulse...

I say let's have 21 days of laughter and hugs. And let 7 year olds be 7 year olds too. He's just doing his job.

That's my rant for today. I feel better now.

Nomad said...

O;Indeed...even feels good when you are a grownup!! ;-)


Beth..Oops is it supposed to wear off??

Di, HEY..thanks for dropping by! and yes I love it too!

Michelle! Yes I do think 21 hours is much more sensible...but it sure does make you think!

Gary; Glad you fell comfy letting it all hang out, Ditto on everything, EXCEPT that maybe we sometimes sweat WAY too much of the small stuff and instead of experiencing the idea of happiness as an unrealistic expectation or a lofty or disconnected (western) goal, just maybe a place we would like to "be" while being gentle with ourselves...Ask and you shall receive...in a non religious sense..(or not...) it always helps to know where you are going to find your way...
Dunno- but I am experimenting with the ideas (choice making being the big one)and I really like some of them...and yes thanks for the reminder about 7 year old doing their thing...Thanks, It helped me.

Nomad said...

Lynda, Yes I agree, Monty is DELICIOUS and soooo wicked...

*every sperm is scared, every sperm is good...* etc...

LOL

Gotta get me some Monty!

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