I don’t know why. Just because it signals a new month of new discoveries, maybe? Or because it is one month closer to spring? I’m learning to look on the bright side of things, although that’s never been my way. I believe in the power of negativity, at least as far as emotional state of mind is concerned, because then when something good happens, it’s unexpected and the high is higher than if it were. And if things don’t pan out–if they go as expected–then it’s not such an earth-shattering event, and rarely leads to traumatic depression. This way, if I want to enjoy a little depression, I have some measure of control over it.
I gave my husband a haircut this morning; I’ve been his barber for fifteen years now, because the one he used to go to was entertaining and always knew the latest jokes, but couldn’t cut hair worth a damn. Then he tried someplace else, but it looked like the woman had just stuck a bowl on his head for scissor guidance. I do, I must say, an excellent job on his hair, and I really enjoy doing it. I also cut my dad’s, my sister’s and my own, and an occasional neighbor’s. It’s something we’ve learned from my Mom, who also did the family haircuts, and it just has become a family tradition. Doesn’t save a lot of money, but it does kind of serve as a bonding and private talk time.
Today I cut J’s hair while he sat in the kitchen. As soon as the weather warms, we take the barbershop outdoors. One of the neatest things I’ve seen is a robin’s nest in early May, lined with J’s hair. Those baby birds had the warmest and coziest nursery in the neighborhood.
See? I can find joy in simple things. Even with a negative attitude.
The Lost Children: A Charity Anthology