Daily Highlights

Happy 2013! I am one month into the year and everything has been going wonderfully! My outlook on my year has been great because I made the choice to place my focus on positive experiences that happen each day, rather than the negative ones that tend to have more of an impact. A new practice that I’ve adopted this year is to spend a few minutes each night reviewing each day. After reviewing the day, I place a note on my calendar containing all of the positive things that happened, which range from “got a free sandwich at Starbucks” to “placed an order for a new car.” This has been helpful because when I’m having difficult moments, I can flip through my calendar and and remind remind myself that every day of my year has been amazing and life is good!

Every day has at least one highlight and with the right perspective, anyone can identify it. This reminds me of a story about a cat and a dog that lived in the same house with very different outlooks on life

Excerpts from the Dog’s Diary…

8:00 am – Dog food! My favorite thing!
9:30 am – A car ride! My favorite thing!
9:40 am – A walk in the park! My favorite thing!
10:30 am – Got rubbed and petted! My favorite thing!
12:00 PM – Lunch! My favorite thing!
1:00 PM – Played in the yard! My favorite thing!
3:00 PM – Wagged my tail! My favorite thing!
5:00 PM – Milk bones! My favorite thing!
7:00 PM – Got to play ball! My favorite thing!
8:00 PM – Wow! Watched TV with the people! My favorite thing!
11:00 PM – Sleeping on the bed! My favorite thing!

Excerpts from the Cat’s Diary…

Day 983 of my captivity. My captors continue to taunt me with bizarre little dangling objects.

They dine lavishly on fresh meat, while the other inmates and I are fed hash or some sort of dry nuggets. Although I make my contempt for the rations perfectly clear, I nevertheless must eat something in order to keep up my strength.

The only thing that keeps me going is my dream of escape. In an attempt to disgust them, I once again vomit on the carpet.

Today I decapitated a mouse and dropped its headless body at their feet. I had hoped this would strike fear into their hearts, since it clearly demonstrates what I am capable of. However, they merely made condescending comments about what a ‘good little hunter’ I am. Ugh!

There was some sort of assembly of their accomplices tonight. I was placed in solitary confinement for the duration of the event. However, I could hear the noises and smell the food. I overheard that my confinement was due to the power of “allergies.” I must learn what this means and how to use it to my advantage..

Today I was almost successful in an attempt to assassinate one of my tormentors by weaving around his feet as he was walking. I must try this again tomorrow—but at the top of the stairs.

I am convinced that the other prisoners here are flunkies and snitches. The dog receives special privileges. He is regularly released – and seems to be more than willing to return. He is obviously retarded.

The bird has got to be an informant. I observe him communicating with the guards regularly. I am certain that he reports my every move. My captors have arranged protective custody for him in an elevated cell, so he is safe. For now…

Thanks to my positive outlook (much like the dog’s), I’ve seen my attitude, outlook and demeanor change for the better, which has contributed to a better overall quality of life! I strongly encourage others to try the same practice and take note of the results!