A reader has taken me to to task for what he called my "continued attempts to find a silver lining for every dark cloud in your column dear editor, but it also does not help to hide one's head in the sand while wearing those rose-tinted glasses." (Hmm, I wonder where I have heard that before)
There was another person some months ago, among others, who said she didn't want to read about frogs, she wanted to read serious things, like "bring back the death penalty."
What this tells me is that as South Africans we relish the superior feeling it gives us to whinge and moan about crime, service delivery, Julius Malema, corruption, the kind of talk that peppers every braai, dinner party or other social interaction.
Not that these are not serious current issues. But that someone can take issue with a bit of harmless fun that may help to life the dark clouds for a moment, tells me that we as a nation are mired in our own distaste. We enjoy bitching and many of us are intoxicated by the whine of our own voices. (So, so true!)
It is saddening to be told that a positive attitude is apathetic (YES!), and that it was apathy which led to the rise of Nazi Germany and the apartheid government (Do all you people say the same things?)
Apathy, yes I concede, played a part in those horrors of Western civilization. But having a positive attitude has never brought about anything other than upliftment of the spirit which leads to other good things.
Because I choose to look on the bright side does not mean that I approve of many things that are happening in our country.
This newspaper and the others which I edit highlight many issues which are of concern to our readers, be it crime, corruption or incompetence. But we cannot use all our available space and our time without appreciating some of the good things, having a little joy and light heartedness.
Negativity is a choice and it drags us down into a hole that is damaging to our souls.
Counting our blessings can have a positive result. If you can find no reason to be cheerful then, think of it as honouring your Creator. Watch a sunrise now and then, then get on with your day.
It is always easier to criticise than do. Maybe instead of being an armchair griper, get involved (BRAVO!). Stand for election, form or join your neighbourhood watch, attend CPF meetings, volunteer to help a charity, feed a hungry child, play your part as a citizen of this country. Most of all, use your vote. You can change this country.
I make no apology for attempting to include a bit of sunshine in this newspaper.
Many people love reading the bubble wrap moments. Keep them coming!
