"[A story - with a message about optimism versus pessimism.] - The World's Most Communicative Disease! - There is a funny story in circulation about an optimistic farmer who couldn't wait to greet each new day with a resounding, Good morning, God! He lived near a woman whose morning greeting was more like, Good God... morning? They were each a trial to the other. Where he saw opportunity, she saw problems. Where he was satisfied, she was discontented. One bright morning he exclaimed, Look at the beautiful sky! Did you see that glorious sunrise? Yeah, she countered. It'll probably get so hot the crops will scorch! During an afternoon shower, he commented, Isn't this wonderful? Mother Nature is giving the corn a drink today! And if it doesn't stop before too long, came the sour reply, we'll wish we'd taken out flood insurance on the crops! Convinced that he could instill some awe and wonder in her hardened attitude, he bought a remarkable dog. Not just any mutt, but the most expensive, highly-trained and gifted dog he could find. The animal was exquisite! It could perform remarkable and impossible feats which, the farmer thought, would surely amaze even his neighbor. So he invited her to watch his dog perform. Fetch! he commanded, as he tossed a stick out into a lake, where it bobbed up and down in the rippling water. The dog bounded after the stick, walked ON the water, and retrieved it. What do you think of that? he asked, smiling. Hmmm, she frowned. Can't swim, can he? Sometimes I think that negative thoughts are the world's most communicative diseases. More catching than any known virus, and just as deadly. But an attitude of awe and wonder can be just as contagious! Which will you be spreading today?"

Author: Steve Goodier