Time for the Happy Smile T-shirt

For the past several years, we have been beating the doomsday drum and singing dirges signifying the end is imminent. To some of us it appears that all is left is the packing of the bags and saying good-bye to friends and move on. Saipan is lost and there is nothing that we can do.

But today I awoke and decided to reject the dark shadow of pessimism. Instead I decided to sing about the joys of living and the spirit of the future. I was determined to examine what is good and hopeful about the dismal economic situation and how I should cope with it. I wanted to examine my feelings on where was my life heading. After a few minutes I decided that there is much to feel blessed about.

Upon awakening I glanced at my sleeping wife and felt how close and important she is in my life. She looked serene with a slight smile upon her face. Slowly I walked over to the sleeping children. Pausing over their beds, silently I offered a prayer in thanks for my blessing. My family was healthy and happy. I too felt healthy and happy. At this moment I felt no animosity towards anything or anybody. Instead I felt elated as in a gentle state of quietness.

When I arrived at my office, I reviewed my accounts and spoke with my managers to assert the current business situation. All to well I knew what to expect. Our sales have been dropping from month to month. This year’s sales were about twenty percent lower than the previous year which were thirty percent lower than the previous year. In fact the current business is a full 60% less than three years ago.

To cope with this dismal situation, I have reduced my staff by several people, cut working hours for most of the remaining employees, and have been closely monitoring expenses. In fact only a week ago, I closed my main office to consolidate my operations thereby saving even more money. The main objective is to keep the business going.

It has been difficult to survive as it has been for most of the other business people during these trying times. I put my head in my hands in desperation trying to figure out how long could I stay in business. In my frustration, I wanted to blame someone, anyone, and everyone for the bad business. But this time, I was determined to find solace in thoughts of inspiration I had recently read.

In his Meditations, Marcus Aurelius wrote, “Receive wealth or prosperity without arrogance; be ready to let it go.” I thought God had given me the opportunity to succeed and perhaps he was slowly taking it back. Surely another opportunity will appear.

Another thought flashed to mind, “If you take away your opinion about that which appears to give you pain, you yourself stand in perfect security.” Emperor Aurelius reminds us that life is composed of opinions. Change them and you change the world that troubles you. So I have decided to change my opinions.

You may wonder what am I ranting about this morning. Why this sudden note of optimism? Because we must persist despite any odds. Author Michael Medved stated in a speech: “Whenever our vision may be clouded by the fog of pessimism, we should recall we have deeper reasons for confidence and joy.”

As Forrest Gump learned if we make the most of our challenges as well as our opportunities, life can indeed be a box of chocolates. It is in our power. Let’s put on our Happy Smile T-shirts and SMILE!