Submitted by Fred on

Bright Side

Bright Side
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Health

We all have reasons to be negative, gloomy or down.  It is a natural part of the Human experience. Don't you just know it!  What distinguishes some, though, is how well we handle it.  

Through my life, I have had many many reasons to be down on myself, including almost too many failures.  Looking back though I can see that how I responded to some of those failures helped to define and improve my later life.  

One failure in particular caused me to hate my old self SO much that inorder to go on I was compelled to redesign myself, to avoid that dreadful feeling.  

Accepting and responding to a challenge shows character, which always shines through and is usually rewarding. 

Today I still have many challenges, including health, but I am happy to wake up in the morning to face the day and whatever challenges are presented.  One of the reasons therefor is that they show that I am still relevant.  

Is it a healthy rationalization or level headedness that I strive to find the bright side in a situation, no matter how difficult or challenging? 

As my friend Harvey Pollak reminded me, success is not final, failure is not fatal, it is the courage to continue that counts.  Always, it is down right axiomatic!

I tell my self, for instance, that I am fortunate that I am alive in this challenging period in our history and to have the opportunity to write my simple feelings in this weekly blog and, even more so, that some may read it.  

Up is Down and Down is Up!  Ponder what that says and means...

Comments

Paul Napolitano

Do you know the song Mr. Brightside? It is the Buffalo Bills unofficial theme song and they play it at the end of each third quarter. It’s partly about failing over and over but always believing it’s going to get better.


… But it's just the price I pay, 

destiny is calling me
Open up my eager eyes, 

'cause I'm Mr. Brightside

Dave Freedman, SHRM-SCP

Courage really is everything. You can freeze after success, thinking you'll never be able to repeat it. You can freeze after failure, thinking you'll never succeed. Either way, you have to have the courage to try again.

Submitted by Menucha Levy (not verified) on Fri, 10/30/2026 - 11:53

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Guest User : Menucha Levy

Fred, thank you for sharing this. I think looking for the bright side is healthy, not rationalizing. You can acknowledge the hard stuff and still choose where to put your energy. I love Harvey's line about the courage to continue, and I think you're right that the low points often move us forward. Thanks for writing every week. I'm reading and appreciating it.

Submitted by Marilyn L Price (not verified) on Fri, 10/30/2026 - 13:49

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Guest User : Marilyn L Price

I find myself repeating that over and over and thinking about the series of gratitude blessings Judaism offers us even before we get out of bed. But we don't even need those to be thankful. So good for you my wise friend.

Submitted by Neil Hollander (not verified) on Fri, 10/30/2026 - 21:08

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Guest User : Neil Hollander

FIGHT DERF !

Submitted by Matt Plociak (not verified) on Sat, 10/31/2026 - 13:59

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Guest User : Matt Plociak

I think every day is exciting in one way or another. Staying relevant for me is being there for my grandchildren (2) and leanring something new. And, staying in touch with friends and family.

Submitted by David rubin (not verified) on Sun, 11/01/2026 - 11:17

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Guest User : David rubin

Your comments could not be more moving. You clearly have the tools to face whatever the future has to offer or throw at you. David

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