The Power of Perspective

St. Patrick's day is always a special day for me. My dad was born in Ireland and after a tragic childhood left his homeland behind in hopes of a brighter future. As most Irish are, he was very proud of his heritage and belonged to several Irish groups. Being the Historian for one, he shared many Irish stories and songs of love and loss. You always hear about the Luck 'O the Irish but I doubt many have stopped to consider what that really means - beyond the obvious Leprechaun's Gold of course;-)

The people of Ireland were severely oppressed for much of history. The "lucky" aspect is that they have somehow managed to come out a free nation. If you look back without the final outcome, you might say that they were quite an UNlucky group of people. So here is where perspective has a power play. Because they stayed positive and fought for what they loved, they persevered. Not only did they make it through the rough times, they did it singing and dancing and drinking (of course).

So while many use St. Paddy's day and an excuse to party, I also remember the power of perspective, positive living, patience and perseverance.

I am grateful to my dad for teaching me to live positively through example in the hardest times of his life. Even though he has been gone for over four years, I can still hear him say "keep your chin up" or when he was feeling poetic he might say... "let a smile be your umbrella on a rainy rainy day."

Here's my Irish blessing for you this year...
May you make the most of what you have in each moment
May you see the beauty of life even in the presence of pain or doubt
And, may you persevere through life with a light in your heart and a twinkle in your eye.

Love you dad!