My family knows the truth. If you want someone in a really difficult situation, someone who needs to take action, that's not me.
Years ago, as my mother was having a follow-up, out-patient procedure after cancer surgery, I was in the hospital with her, my brother and sister. They were asking serious questions. I kept looking for the opportunity for humor. I'm not great at serious. NEED levity.
A gentleman who had recently had open heart surgery came in and was to be on the adjacent bed. Someone asked to see his scars and he eagerly, rather enthusiastically flew open his shirt to reveal the substantial scar.
I grabbed the bed, afraid I may go down.
When troubled, challenging times need humor, call me in. Otherwise, I may be useless or worse.
This spring in Florida -- in the nation, in the world -- I've been grabbing the bed. I find the humor here or there. Mostly on Instagram I've been sharing pretty pictures. That's, as I say, my wheelhouse. Pretty is very Winter Park. I call the #ILUVWinterPark account a post card, so it fits. It varies at other times. But largely it is just that, a post card. Or, maybe more accurately, a mosaic. I have done large mosaic projects in the past and a good mosaic may paint a picture, yes. But it may also simply convey a feeling, a theme. In Winter Park, it's always been a LUVly one.
Oh, but these past months. Lots has happened, continues to. Most of it outside of our individual control. Those things, occurrences and circumstances, often impact us. But we have very little control or true influence.
Those who have known me longest in Winter Park know that my earliest days on social media were spent doing what lots do today: pontificating. I saw things I wanted to change, influence, and I spent a decent amount of time doing that. All on Facebook.
After some time doing so, I asked myself if I had had any impact. To my disappointment, the answer was no.
It was at that point I decided my approach might be wrong. Rather than telling others what I thought, how things might work best, what if I spent more time trying to demonstrate than I did talking about it. It became my goal.
Lots happened early on which were positive affirmation this route was an appropriate one. When I began this effort focusing efforts from a positive stance, others began requesting to participate. People long for positivity, so I guess that shouldn't be surprising. As I have heard it said before, book stores -- the ones which are left -- have large sections labeled "self help". Being negative is easy. Being positive is harder.
Years ago, I didn't even fully think about it on those terms. At one of the Christmas tree lighting events in Central Park, I remember very clearly an exchange with former Local Jackie Becker. To my surprise, after reading my posts online, seeing what I post, she asked: "How do you stay so positive?"
It was a shock to my system, actually. POSITIVE. What a lofty goal. Yet challenging one. And, well, when anyone calls anyone else positive, they don't live with them 24 / 7, knowing / living the truth. None of us is ever positive and positive alone. But when we set that as a goal, it is truly a worthy one.
Years ago I remember signs along Winter Park streets. They were gold, with black lettering, a large round circle in red, with a line through it. It was all about "density". I actually quite agreed with the sentiments behind the message. But I was not a fan with how that message was shared.
Messaging is surely a very personal choice. But I have come to appreciate, want, NEED the positive stance. For any issue or problem, while you may initially want to focus on the negative, I encourage you to instead explore and celebrate the positive. Not a fan of increased density in Winter Park? Let's celebrate quality of life and all that means.
The last number of months have been difficult ones for spotlighting the positive. Yet, in a community such as our's, yes, they exist and are largely the same as they always have been.
On occasion, I have been criticized for being TOO positive. It has been said I have not recognized whatever issues exist in Winter Park, taking note of the challenges which exist in our society.
One comment the other evening got me scrolling through my own Instagram feed, viewing the LARGE NUMBER of images and stories I have posted over the last several years. Having done so, I can tell you now I am as proud of this community, of my own efforts to spotlight and celebrate it as I have ever been.
Most everyone around us is a very nice, caring and genuine person. And, admitting to a great deal of prejudice, I believe that is as true in our community as it is anywhere else. Okay, yes, MORE SO.
Times of trouble should have decent, LUVing & respectful people pull together more, not push apart.
In that vein, as I often try to do, I encourage my friends and neighbors to look to the best in those around them. And, if you are so inclined, join me in celebrating it.
New "LUV Thy Winter Park Neighbor" stickers for you car or window are now available at Through the Looking Glass on Park Avenue. Use them, and if you would like to help me share the message, photograph them where you post them, and post to social media with the hashtag, #LUVThyWinterParkNeighbor.
This story, that story, a next door neighbor or an employee at a favorite business, SHARE his or her story, your connection to them and why they are such an important & special part of Winter Park.
I LUV Winter Park. And I LUV my Winter Park neighbors.
If you do, too, help me spread the positive message of community, what connects us and not divides.