Today I’m going to be thankful, grateful and happy about the good things, instead of letting all the dark stuff mess with my brain.

Instead of getting depressed about the way our government is treating asylum seekers (a source of great shame for our nation) I’m going to be thankful for all the refugees who were accepted here. They have enriched our culture, our economy and our intellect. These people planted vineyards and market gardens; opened restaurants with exciting food ideas that finally taught us there were other ways than the old meat and three veg; they became doctors, scientists, psychologists and educators; they brought colour, excitement and adventure to our arts and they forced us to realise we live on a small planet and that other ethnicities have things to share which will benefit us all. I choose to believe that eventually good sense will prevail and things will turn around.

Instead of being saddened by the racist dinosaurs that can still be found in police stations in this country, I’m thankful for the majority who treat people with respect and who do a great job protecting the innocent. Many of them put their lives on the line for us and I say, “thank you.”

For all the scumbags who attack the weak and elderly to rob them of a few dollars, there are hundreds more who voluntarily give their time and money towards caring for others.

For the few who mistreat animals, there are hundreds more who love them, provide for them and rescue them. Rex the Wonder Dog came from such a shelter and he’s brought a lot of love and joy into our lives (as well as many stains on the carpet).

In spite of politicians being unwilling to send experts to help with the Ebola crisis, many doctors and nurses have voluntarily placed themselves in harm’s way in order to help our African neighbours.

Today I choose to believe that the violent haters, who only want this planet to be inhabited by people like them (what an interesting picture that paints!) will be overcome by good-hearted sensible people, who want to live peaceably with their neighbours regardless of race, creed or colour.

Long before there was the Monty Python song, “Always look on the bright side of life” there was an old gospel song:
Live on the sunny side, always on the sunny side, live on the sunny side of life.
It will brighten up your day, it will help you on your way,
If you live on the sunny side of life.

Today I’m letting the sun shine in. How about you?