Making Our Way

Yes, there is a way forward. One step at a time is the usual manner of making the way happen. An attitude  of ‘can’ helps. Can Do. You know the old PMA or Positive Mental Attitude concept. W. Clement Stone had it. So did Napoleon Hill. So did the Rev. Normal Vincent Peale. A bunch of people back in the 1960’s and 70’s touted the PMA message. Whole magazines and books were written back then as well. It was a ‘thing’. From time to time the ‘thing’ comes back into vogue even for short periods of time.

Perhaps we need the PMA message again flounced before our eyes? We are in the dumpers of a mood these days. I’m not the only one. Nor are others who think they lost an election. No; there is much more to this than we can see or feel or admit to. The sense of impending change that is not good is very tangible.

So. What to do? What do we do to counteract the dread? What positives remain that we can work with? How do we rebuild a spirit that will forge ahead and make good things happen? All is not lost. Good remains in the world. Just walk a busy block of sidewalk in Chicago today. Outside some stores where shoppers are in the midst of holiday gift buying. See if someone holds a door open for you. See if someone politely remains in line waiting for a sales clerk. Or maybe observe a man giving up his seat on the bus or L to an older woman, or someone who is pregnant.

Hopefully you will see what I hope you will see. Polite, civil society percolating back to life.

I’m attending a meeting this morning of senior citizens in an urban suburb. They asked for help with forming an organization that will help other seniors remain comfortably in their homes in town. Seems pressures exist that press seniors out of their homes and into other homes less desirable, like assisted living, smaller spaces, less costly, etc. All these folks want are workable alternatives that help them stay put. They want and need to remain where they already have friends and long relationships with institutions, churches, libraries and what not.

That’s what community life is about. Always has been. And they want that to continue even against odds that rapidly stack against them.

So they have a mission to address. And it is a positive one. The additional positive messages include – community, working together, focusing on quality of life issues, keeping spirits alive and well – you get the messages. I don’t have to spell them out for you.

This is the positive mental attitude I referred to earlier. They have it. They are working from that base. With PMA they are looking forward and building future – together.

They are senior citizens. I am a senior citizen. Their leaders are 73 and 75. I am 73. We are not dead or incapable of doing things for ourselves. We still have life and energy to live life well. And so we should!

Are young people near you bored and aimless? Do you have an intersection handy in which you can connect with them and challenge them pleasantly to some fun and purpose? Can you tutor them? Can you befriend them and help them steer clear of drugs and alcohol? Is there an interest you all share that might create a magnet of activity you can share?

I always thought music was a good influence, a unifier of spirit. I sang in choirs for decades. Enjoyed the music, and even more enjoyed the sound that came from my own body to make a pleasant sound. Music is the current of air that helps emotions soar and souls to express themselves. Why not form a community chorus? Gather in other lovers of song and music? Perhaps a genre of music that attracts youth? Or families?

I always thought building a community family chorus would be an interesting thing. You don’t hear of such anywhere. You hear of Boys’ Choir, or community oratorio choirs, or group church choirs and all of that. But I don’t think I have ever heard of a family choral society in which multiple generations sing together.

Choral music teaches music appreciation. It hones vocal skills. It teaches singing well. It practices group cooperation. Sounding music helps build good feelings. I wonder if this might help us now in our time of solace and dread?

Whatever positive idea you have interest in, bring it up now. Do something with it. Involve others in your thinking. Small groups are good. They can and do grow. Perhaps you can start a movement of positive thoughts and help restore our society to a good and purposeful mood?

It’s worth a try!

December 7, 2016