Notice all that's right

I was brought up to notice what’s wrong. I had a mother overly concerned about what others thought. It was understandable considering her upbringing. However, it was no way to live. She would walk into my room mornings looking to find something wrong. I called it my room, but it wasn’t. It was hers. There was nothing in it other than me, my few school books and papers, and my shoes and clothes. Nothing else to distinguish it as my room. I’ve lived that way pretty much ever since. As if, I am ready at a moment’s notice to move on.

Being analytical, I became an engineer. Engineers look for what is wrong or could go wrong in order to fix it or prevent it. We are rewarded for getting it right, being right. Isn’t there always something that can be done better. What difference does it make? It’s no way to live.

Celebrate instead all that’s right. First, notice it. Then, proclaim it. And, when something isn’t as good as it could be, pause. Wonder for a moment: “What difference does it make?” Hold that thought long enough to let the urge to correct fade and be replaced by the wisdom of connect instead. Will I enjoy my dinner more noticing how good it is or what’s not so good?